The role of purchasing in the diffusion of sustainability in supply networks: a systematic literature review

One of the most difficult challenges facing companies today is how to control and implement sustainability not only with direct first-tier suppliers but also how to extend or diffuse sustainability across entire supply networks. A growing body of research is dedicated to this challenge but the role of purchasing in sustainable supply network development remains under-researched. This paper provides a systematic literature review of the role of purchasing in the diffusion of sustainability in supply networks. We identified and analyzed 55 papers published in 11 peer-reviewed journals in the field of purchasing and supply management (PSM). Based on the review, the paper classifies strategies and practices for diffusing sustainability in supply networks, identifying the role of purchasing in the diffusion of sustainability in supply networks.