Paradoxical tensions in sustainable supply chain management: insights from the electronics multi-tier supply chain context

Purpose Managing supply chains (SCs) for sustainability often results in conflicting demands, which can be conceptualized as tensions. This paper studies tensions electronics SC contexts and the related management responses by applying a paradox perspective. Design/methodology/approach A single case study on is conducted with companies third-party organizations embedded units of analysis, using semi-structured interviews that are triangulated publicly available data. Findings The identifies tension elements (learning, belonging, organizing economic performing) general social–ecological objectives SC. indicate hierarchal structure among contexts. contextualization resolution assigned to identified Practical implications Framing their paradoxical enables SCs develop better strategies responding complex issues Originality/value contributes toward filling gap SCs. Empirical insights gained from different actors level emergence interconnectedness larger context explored through an outside-in