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Give and take

Annie Delaney discusses effective communication with networks (particularly supply chains) in order to successfully achieve lasting sustainable result

We talked about the importance of collaboration and of creating alliances within your network in order to achieve effective, wide ranging and long lasting sustainable results. In thinking about the specific collaborative solution you will adopt, it is important to bear in mind that collaborative arrangements need to be promptly established with as many key people as possible; your colleagues, customers, social partners, suppliers, and even competitors. Amongst them, working with your supply chain is likely to be the most effective collaboration.

Greening your suppliers altogether may result in a rather challenging action and it is unlikely to happen overnight. It will take time and smart actions. To this end, ‘give and take’ is the quickest way to effectively work with your suppliers. It involves asking their help to reach your goals. Working with your suppliers towards your sustainable efforts, and asking their help, develops a reciprocal learning process and sharing of information. In this way, your supply chain will feel actively involved and engaged, and will try to find the best ways to obtain a competitive position. Your supply chain will actively create innovative products or services able to satisfy what customers want, but in more sustainable ways.

Establishing effective communication with your supply chain and being able to communicate your expectations to them is crucial. One way to do this is to develop a code of conduct that sets out the ethical standards the business expects suppliers to meet. Keep in mind that greening the supply chain is a journey, not a destination.

The fashion industry relies on outsourcing and subcontracting production. Fashion brands are being challenged to start thinking more comprehensively about sustainability, and to ensure this filters down throughout the whole supply chain.

Activity

What HR practices and functions would be useful to help implement a sustainable Supplier Code of Conduct for a fashion shoe business?

Post your thoughts in the Comments area below.