How do companies design their sourcing decision process to incorporate ethical purchasing intentions and behavior of consumers in the food industry?

Details

Supervisors

Reuter, Carsten

Faculty

Louvain School of Management

Degree label

Master [120] en sciences de gestion, à finalité spécialisée

Abstract

Nowadays, our consumer society is questioned by many individuals due to the many sustainable challenges we face. However, most consumers do not translate their intentions to buy ethically into actual ethical purchasing behavior. Their role is nevertheless very important as they are at the core of companies' sourcing decisions. Consequently, this paper investigates how do companies design their sourcing decision process, in order to incorporate ethical purchasing intentions or behavior of consumers. The focus is on the food industry. The objectives of this study are multiple, but firstly it attempts to make a contribution to the social and environmental crisis we are currently facing. Indeed, a better understanding of the impact that consumers - through their purchasing intentions or behaviours - can have on ethical decisions upstream of companies' supply chains has several advantages. Most importantly, it will raise awareness of ethical consumption and empower consumers to make informed and responsible purchasing decisions. It will also assist companies in their decision-making and encourage them to contribute to consumer education. This is particularly relevant in a world where what we consume and how we consume it is one of the biggest issues of our century.