Does Outsourcing Lead to the Decoupling of Sustainability Practices in MNEs’ Supply Chains: A Conceptualization

The primary objective of this research aims to investigate why outsourced partners often decouple from the standard sustainability principles of Multinational Enterprises (MNEs). This study shall utilize a qualitative research methodology based on an interpretivist research paradigm. The case study strategy will be used to investigate the difficulties faced by MNEs with keeping up with sustainability standards in supply chains. Data collection will be conducted through in-depth interviews directed by a semi-structured interview guide that targets a sample size based on the level of saturation. Thematic analysis will be used as the primary data analytical tool for identifying patterns and insights. The implications of this research include enhancing understanding of the intersection between outsourcing and sustainability within the context of Multinational Enterprises (MNEs). Unlike previous studies, this research specifically addresses how outsourcing relationships impact the sustainability efforts of MNEs, a relatively unexplored area in existing literature. By shedding light on the challenges and providing solutions to ensure adherence to sustainability practices by outsourced partners, this study adds value to the existing body of knowledge on supply chain management and corporate responsibility. This study contributes to theory by conceptualizing sustainability decoupling and offers practical guidance for MNEs to govern sustainability across outsourced partners.