BSR Insight | Integration: The Key to Improving Supplier Sustainability Performance
About the Author(s)
Ryan Flaherty, Manager, Advisory Services
Publication Date
February 9, 2010
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Increasing demands for traceability are forcing food companies throughout the supply chain to improve labor and environmental performance. While suppliers understand what to implement, BSR's work with Central American agricultural producers has revealed that they are struggling with how to implement these changes within their existing culture and operations. And this integration is key to sustainable performance.
International brands and suppliers can benefit—and sustainability performance can improve—when the suppliers have the necessary skills to integrate sustainability requirements into their operations. BSR recommends that international brands promote skill development by taking the following steps:
- Build buy-in by ensuring that suppliers understand the motivation behind the additional requirements and the potential benefits for the company.
- Work with suppliers to develop an implementation plan that details roles and responsibilities.
- Assess suppliers' needs by evaluating existing skills and determining key gaps that could impede implementation.
- Provide training to fill these gaps, either directly or through local organizations.
- Maintain contact to help solve challenges that arise during implementation.
About the Author(s)
Ryan Flaherty, Manager, Advisory Services
Applying his extensive on-the-ground experience in developing countries, Ryan brings a unique perspective to BSR’s supply chain strategy work... Read more →
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