Enhancing Supply Chain Resilience through ESG Compliance: Insights from Case Studies

Journal: Modern Economics & Management Forum DOI: 10.32629/memf.v6i2.3955

Meng Chen1, Jia Wang2

1. Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
2. The University of Nottingham-Ningbo, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China

Abstract

This study examines how Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) compliance enhances supply chain resilience in the face of increasing disruptions, such as pandemics and climate crises. Using a mixed-methods approach, including interviews with 32 executives, ESG audits, and operational recovery metrics from 18 multinational corporations across automotive, retail, and technology sectors, the study identifies three pathways through which ESG strengthens resilience: predictive risk intelligence, network plasticity through ethical sourcing, and stakeholder capital accumulation. Key findings show significant reductions in supply chain disruptions, with improvements in recovery times and supplier retention. However, 73% of firms experienced a gap between ESG implementation costs and resilience returns. The study introduces a Dynamic ESG-Resilience Matrix and offers policy recommendations, including phased subsidies for ESG resilience milestones. The findings contribute to resilience theory and offer practical tools for organizations and policymakers to bridge the ESG-resilience gap.

Keywords

ESG compliance, supply chain resilience, predictive risk intelligence, ethical sourcing, stakeholder engagement

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