A practice-based view to supply chain sustainability learning: A systematic literature review

Progress towards the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) particularly within supply chains remains slow. One reason is the lack of sustainability awareness and understanding due to limited sustainability learning. Sustainability learning involves acquisition of sustainability-related knowledge and behaviours. Supply chain sustainability practices underpinned by supply chain sustainability learning mechanisms are likely to have lasting effects than those driven by compliance, which can be superficial and short term oriented. However, it is unclear what learning mechanisms enable the effective deployment of supply chain sustainability practices. Conducting a systematic literature review adopting a practice-based view of supply chain sustainability, this study examines the intersection of supply chain sustainability learning and supply chain sustainability practices literature. Employing content, frequency and contingency analysis techniques on fifty-five peer-reviewed journal articles, we reveal: (1) frequently studied supply chain sustainability practices, learning mechanisms and associated outcomes, (2) configuration of learning mechanisms impacting the levels of the supply chain and phases of learning and development, (3) three distinct clusters of learning mechanisms that enable specific supply chain sustainability practices and outcomes. Undertaking a practice-based view and positioning learning mechanisms as mediators of supply chain sustainability practices, this study contributes to theory and practice by identifying learning mechanisms supporting supply chain sustainability. Future research should investigate 1) digital platforms as emerging learning tools, 2) learning mechanisms in social settings such as communities of practice and, 3) identification and development of individual champions and institutional entrepreneurs as drivers of sustainability learning.