Analysing competing logics towards sustainable supplier management

Purpose To understand the context surrounding sustainable supplier management (SSM) process (i.e. selection, development and evaluation), this paper aims to explore institutional logics existing in Ecuadorian cocoa supply chain (SC). By considering local characteristics sustainability practices, study illustrates how competing logic influences SSM. Design/methodology/approach This uses a multiple-case method for which authors interviewed different SC members Ecuador used ground-up approach analyse data reveal singularities influencing management. Findings The analysis uncovered two main operating within SSM process: commercial (e.g. potential market access, product traceability) traditions/cultural issues). These address demand requirements; however, some producers’ needs that impact remains unexplored such as existence of regional ancestral culture poses dominant with meaning beyond triple bottom line. While have influenced performance, finds that, three sub-processes (selection, was most relevant sub-process receiving attention from managers studied context. Practical implications understanding differences needs, can better develop strategies Originality/value highlighted investigated underexplored topic effects may on focusses supplier’s point view regarding requirements, addressing consistent research gap literature.