Roadmap to enhance the insertion of social sustainability in logistics systems

Abstract

Purpose

This article aimed to propose and validate a roadmap to enhance the insertion of social sustainability practices in logistics activities considering the scenario of companies operating in Brazil.

Design/methodology/approach

The initial construction of the aforementioned roadmap was based on a detailed literature review and the fine-tuning as well as validation of it was carried out through a Delphi process developed with professionals specialized in the area of logistics and sustainability.

Findings

As main results, it is highlighted that the validated roadmap includes actions ranging from meeting and adapting legal issues related to sustainability, through the initial diagnosis of the company, motivation and awareness of the importance of social sustainability, followed by encouraging the inclusion of social sustainability practices in logistic activities, and finally, the identification of opportunities for improvement and establishment of execution plans within the organization. The phases and actions of the validated roadmap converge towards restructuring and redefinition of the organizational culture oriented towards meeting sustainable guidelines, and also contemplate the dynamics of seeking continuous improvement throughout all levels and sectors belonging to a given organization.

Originality/value

The originality of this study lies in the fact that the roadmap focuses on the inclusion of social sustainability practices in logistic activities, since, according to the literature, social aspects are still relegated to the background when compared to environmental and economic aspects.

Citation

Martins, V.W.B., Anholon, R., Quelhas, O.L.G. and Leal Filho, W. (2023), "Roadmap to enhance the insertion of social sustainability in logistics systems", International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, Vol. 72 No. 10, pp. 2838-2858. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPPM-03-2022-0132