Nghiên cứu sinh Lê Thuỳ Dương bảo vệ luận án tiến sĩ
Thứ ba, ngày 04/06/2024
ORIGINAL CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE DISSERTATION
Dissertation title: Transmission of CSR practices and values in buyer-supplier relationships: A study of garment companies in Vietnam
Specialization: Business Administration, E-PhD Program Specialization code: 9340101
PhD candidate: Le Thuy Duong
Supervisor: Assoc.Prof.Dr. Nguyen Vu Hung, Dr. Dinh Le Hai Ha
Institution: National Economics University
Original contributions on academic and theoretical aspects
This dissertation has made three significant theoretical contributions to the existing literature as follows.
Firstly, different from the traditional compliance-based approach for interpreting the buyer-supplier dyadic CSR transmission (Ayuso et al., 2013; Ciliberti et al., 2011; Stekelorum et al., 2019), this dissertation has advocated for a learning-based perspective that recognizes the proactive engagement of suppliers (Hultman & Elg, 2018) and delineates distinct modes of CSR transmission within these relationships.
Secondly, while existing research has predominantly focused on the transmission of CSR practices, this dissertation has emphasized the more significant impacts of transmitting CSR values. Such transmission could lead to fundamental changes in suppliers’ value frameworks, promoting more sustainable and long-term CSR outcomes. Indeed, this study has developed a theory about the mechanisms and antecedents for the learning of CSR values in the buyer-supplier dyadic CSR transmission.
Thirdly, while previous studies in the field have investigated different facilitators and barriers for the transmission of CSR in buyer-supplier relationships, such as supply chain pressures, powers, CSR awareness, or monitoring cost (Baden et al., 2009; Ciliberti et al., 2010; Lee et al., 2017; Walker et al., 2008; Welford & Frost, 2006), this dissertation, utilizing inter-organizational learning theories, has examined how firm- and interfirm-level factors affect the learning of CSR practices and values in buyer-supplier relationships, particularly in garment supply chains involving developing country suppliers. Key findings have indicated that buyer and supplier characteristics could significantly impact CSR learning outcomes. Specifically, suppliers with strong financial performance and buyers’ use of coercive power and controlling techniques could enhance the learning of CSR practices, whereas buyers’ business performance and cooperative CSR techniques positively impact the learning of CSR values, with coercive power having a negative effect. These findings, thereby, could provide a comprehensive view of the CSR learning process in complex supply chain settings.
Recommendations derived from the findings of the dissertation
Practically, grounded in the practical findings of the factors that could lead to the learning of CSR practices and values in buyer-supplier relationships, this dissertation has proposed specific strategy for fostering CSR implementation in Vietnam’s garment industry. More specifically, foreign buyers should take on the role of “teachers,” fostering open communication, providing resources, and involving local suppliers in decision-making. Domestic suppliers, on the other hand, should demonstrate their willingness to learn, make investments in enhancing their capabilities, and adopt a continuous improvement and transparent culture. This collaborative approach could drive positive changes in Vietnam’s garment industry, ensuring sustainable CSR achievements.
