Worthington Ian, Monder Ram, Shah Mayank and Boyal

Drivers of and Barriers to Supplier Diversity Initiatives: A Cross-National Study

Dr Worthington Ian, Professor Monder Ram, Shah Mayank and Boyal Harvinder
Organisation: Centre for Research in Ethnic Minority Entrepreneurship (CRÈME), Leicester Business School, De Montfort University, the Gateway, Leicester, LE1 9BH
E-mail: iwcor@dmu.ac.uk

Abstract

As organisations face increased pressures to act in a more socially responsible way, the notion of ethical sourcing has moved up both the public and corporate agenda. One strand of this debate has been the issue of promoting greater diversity in the supply chain by providing opportunities for traditionally underrepresented suppliers (e.g. small firms; ethnic minority businesses; women-owned businesses) to engage with large purchasing organisations. In examining the concept of ‘supplier diversity’, this paper draws on interview and source material from both the United States and the UK. Utilising a case study approach, it focuses on the key drivers of and barriers to corporate involvement in initiatives which are aimed at increasing the number of ethnic minority businesses in the supply chain and looks at the merits of the ‘business case’ for more socially responsible procurement.

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