Theoretical Foundations of Sustainable Supply Chains

This article is a research paper that examines the progression of literature on sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) and identifies the prevailing theoretical lenses utilized in this field. The authors conduct a systematic literature review to identify dominant theories, their roles, and the correlation between these theories and research methodologies. The objective is to assist researchers in understanding the current state of theoretical perspectives in SSCM. The paper outlines the evolution of SSCM literature, highlighting the need for a broader application of theories within this research area. It also presents research propositions and a theoretical toolbox aimed at aiding scholars in developing new research inquiries based on established theoretical perspectives. The methodology includes a comprehensive literature review, utilizing the ISI Web of Science database to identify relevant articles, and applying content analysis to categorize and analyze management theories. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of SSCM and suggest directions for future research.