Abstract

This paper investigates how to promote fairness and equal opportunities in the supply chain, a concept called supply chain (SC) equity. Using a mixed-methods approach incorporating qualitative and system dynamics methodologies, we manipulate financial, information, relational and storage resources as possible solution to achieve equity and fairness. Our study is framed using Resource Dependence Theory (RDT), which posits that controlling crucial resources can confer a competitive advantage, potentially leading to disparities and discrimination against weaker SC members. Our results find that improving storage capacity is the best tool for increasing SC fairness. In contrast, intervening on financial resources may be counterproductive.