In today's globalised and digitally interconnected world, supply
chain management (SCM) is confronted with complex ethical challenges that have
far-reaching implications for businesses and their stakeholders. This study
provides an in-depth exploration of three critical areas of ethical concern in
SCM: data privacy, cybersecurity, and intellectual property (IP) rights.
Through a comprehensive analysis that includes a review of existing literature,
cross-case studies, and thematic coding of expert interviews, the study identifies
and examines the multifaceted risks and challenges that organisations face in
these domains. Three case studies from different industries, such as
Technology, Pharmaceutical, and Automotive, were selected. Additionally, three
experts were interviewed in this study. The findings highlights that
third-party vendors and partners often represent significant points of
vulnerability, particularly in terms of cybersecurity. The potential for data
breaches and the subsequent impact on both the supply chain and customer trust
necessitate rigorous third-party due diligence and proactive cybersecurity
measures. Furthermore, the study underscores the importance of transparency in
data privacy practices as a means of building and maintaining trust with
stakeholders, especially in a regulatory environment that is increasingly
focused on consumer rights and data protection. In the realm of intellectual
property, the study reveals the ongoing struggle to protect proprietary
information in a global supply chain context, where legal protections can vary
significantly across jurisdictions. The findings emphasise the need for robust
legal frameworks and vigilant enforcement to prevent IP theft, while also
addressing the delicate balance between fostering innovation through collaboration
and safeguarding competitive advantages. The study also identifies the
development of an ethical culture within organisations as a critical factor in
effectively managing these risks. Leadership commitment to ethics, coupled with
regular employee training and awareness programs, is shown to be instrumental
in embedding ethical considerations into daily operations. This ethical
foundation not only helps in preventing ethical breaches but also supports
long-term sustainability and resilience in supply chain management.
Author(s)
Details
Deepshikha
Aggarwal
Department of Information Technology, Jagan Institute of
Management Studies, Delhi, India.
Deepti
Sharma
Department of Information Technology, Jagan Institute of
Management Studies, Delhi, India.
Archana
B. Saxena
Department of Information Technology, Jagan Institute of
Management Studies, Delhi, India.
Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/nhstc/v4/6032
