Fostering firms' ability to cascade sustainability through multi-tier supply chains: an investigation of power sources

Purpose A firm's ability to cascade sustainability requirements further down lower-tier suppliers might be affected by inter-firm power relations. This study aimed identify the sources of focal firms and first- investigate how they may affect their along multi-tier supply chains. Design/methodology/approach multiple case 24 companies was conducted in In total, 42 informants from five companies, ten first-tier nine were interviewed. Findings Differences found between which drew power. revealed that firms' increase or impair lower chain tiers. Furthermore, chain-level constitute a significant determinant disseminate suppliers. Practical implications The results can help purchasing managers understand own suppliers' agendas particular, useful for supplier selection development relationship management strategies fostering Originality/value places traditional perspectives context sustainable management, broadening view beyond dyadic relationships have traditionally been focus literature.