Socially sustainable business practices in Indian manufacturing industries: a study of two companies

This paper investigates the social sustainability of the supply chain of the Indian manufacturing industry. For the purpose, it examines the socially sustainable business practices adopted by two Indian manufacturing companies from two different sectors ‐ cement and pharmaceuticals. The reason for the choice of companies from these two sectors is their wide divergence as well as economic importance. The study explores various activities under different social dimensions across the supply chain, paying particular attention to the drivers of such business practices as well as the lessons that can be learned from them. The comparative case study method has been used to explore the similarities and differences in the socially sustainable practices adopted by the two companies. To begin with, various social sustainability dimensions have been identified from the literature on the subject. Next, the socially sustainable practices of the two companies have been identified and compared. In the process emerge several important social dimensions related to the Indian manufacturing industry. This research expected to help supply chain managers and policy makers by providing crucial insights for decision making related to social sustainability.