GREENWASHING OR GENUINE? BLOCKCHAIN-POWERED TRANSPARENCY IN SUSTAINABLE SUPPLY CHAIN ACCOUNTABILITY
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.58329/criss.v4i3.192Abstract
Abstract Views: 13
Increasing interest in sustainability in the supply chains has led to several measures undertaken by organizations in order to demonstrate their interest in environmental responsibility. There have however arisen concerns over greenwashing which involves companies falsely stating they are sustainable and this has destroyed consumer confidence coupled with environmental objectives. This paper explores how blockchain technology can contribute towards the realization of true sustainability in the supply chains. In particular, it discusses the benefits of transparency enabled with blockchain to increase the accountability of the supply chain and eliminate greenwashing. This was done through a mixed-method strategy, which consisted of a survey of 200 supply chain managers coupled with in-depth interviews with 15 industry experts. The main conclusions are that blockchain ledger and access to real-time data are important in validating claims of sustainability. Nevertheless, blockchain is a promising technology that can be used to increase transparency and build consumer confidence despite the difficulty of implementation. The research has both practical implications on the supply chain managers wishing to enhance the practice on credibility and sustainability as well as giving insights to the policymakers of utilizing technology to fight greenwashing.
Keywords:
Blockchain, Sustainable Supply Chain, Greenwashing, Transparency, Accountability, Environmental Sustainability
References
Delmas, M. A., & Burbano, V. C. (2011). The drivers of greenwashing. California Management Review, 54(1), 64-87. https://doi.org/10.1525/cmr.2011.54.1.64
Elkington, J. (1997). Cannibals with forks: The triple bottom line of 21st century business. New Society Publishers.
Hoffman, A. J. (2018). The business case for sustainability. California Management Review, 60(4), 14-32. https://doi.org/10.1177/0008125618790427
Kouhizadeh, M., Saberi, S., & Sarkis, J. (2020). Blockchain applications in supply chains, transportations, and logistics: A systematic review. International Journal of Production Research, 58(24), 7284-7300. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207543.2020.1793776
Lyon, T. P., & Montgomery, A. W. (2015). The means and end of greenwashing. Organization & Environment, 28(2), 223-249. https://doi.org/10.1177/1086026615575332
Peattie, K. (2010). Green marketing. The Marketing Review, 10(3), 263-268.
Saberi, S., Kouhizadeh, M., Sarkis, J., & Shen, L. (2019). Blockchain technology and the implications for supply chain management. International Journal of Production Research, 57(7), 2117-2135. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207543.2018.1521011
Tapscott, D., & Tapscott, A. (2016). Blockchain revolution: How the technology behind bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies is changing the world. Penguin.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
