Themes and challenges in making supply chains socially sustainable

Purpose
Purpose of this paper is to explore and classify pattern of the currently discussed themes and challenges in making supply chains socially sustainable.

Design/methodology/approach
The methodology was based on a systematic review of the existing literature in order to explore what major themes and challenges have been discussed as well as the significant gaps where opportunities for further research can be found.

Findings
In total five categories of themes were identified, namely goods/service-centric, human-centric, organization-centric, corporate-centric, and management/governance-centric. Challenges were classified into eight categories namely, inadequate and asymmetric knowledge, shifting the values, operationalization, subjectivity in evaluation, difficulties of SMEs, governance complexity, sustainability leakage, and sustainability washing.

Research limitations/implications
Focus of the paper is on social pillar of sustainable development in context of supply chains. A more holistic investigation of all the three pillars/ bottom lines of sustainable development (economic, environmental, and social) can be an opportunity for further research.

Practical implications
Taking a more holistic view of the pattern of currently discussed themes and challenges may be beneficial in increasing the absorptive capacity of industrial and business practitioners when they design and operationalize innovative strategies in developing sustainable supply chains.

Originality/value
This paper may increase awareness about the social responsibilities of supply chains actors and stakeholders. It may also guide managers, decision makers, and practitioners to better understand the difficulties, obstacles, or dilemmas that can hinder sustainable development of supply chains. The discussion section provides suggestions for tackling the challenges and a section that elaborates on opportunities for further research.