Considering suppliers' performances in terms of Corporate Social Responsibility for supplier selection. Focus on the chemical sector in Belgium and the case of allnex.

Details

Supervisors

Desmet, Carlos

Faculty

Louvain School of Management

Degree label

Master [120] en Ingénieur de gestion

Abstract

The concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) mesmerizes scholars and practitioners since the 20th century. However, its concern has only recently entered the procurement field as organizations today are likely to be held accountable for both their actions as those of their suppliers. In order to mitigate risks and to enhance the value to the company, supplier selection needs to take into account the corporate social responsibility of suppliers. This thesis provides a first analysis of why and how the chemical sector in Belgium takes the performance of suppliers in terms of CSR into account for supplier selection. Therefore, an empirical research was conducted based on a hybrid approach. 31 chemical companies in Belgium participated to a survey under the form of a questionnaire. This led to the development of hypotheses that were further deepened and/or validated through four qualitative interviews with firms and with Essenscia, the Belgian federation of the chemical industry and of life sciences. The contribution of this thesis is both scientific and managerial. It describes that the maturity level of the chemical sector in Belgium regarding the integration of CSR for supplier selection is moderate. In addition, it provides suggestions to improve that maturity level. Finally, it presents a case study of the company allnex as a detailed example of measures that are taken to consider CSR for supplier selection, as well as an application of the empirical research’s findings.