Measuring supplier diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI): scale development and empirical validation
ISSN: 1359-8546
Article publication date: 28 November 2023
Issue publication date: 22 February 2024
Abstract
Purpose
As firms consider initiatives to enhance their social sustainability performance, supplier diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) have become significantly more important. As such, the purpose of this study is to theorize, operationalize and develop an empirical scale to measure supplier DEI.
Design/methodology/approach
The following three-phase scale development method was used: first, identification of scale items from the literature; second, a qualitative component involving interviews with expert panels; and third, a psychometric evaluation through two survey rounds with 327 managers from multiple areas of supply chain management.
Findings
Although not necessarily a new concept, this study provides a more complete understanding of supplier DEI beyond traditional aspects of supplier diversity (e.g. women and minority-owned suppliers) to feature additional considerations (e.g. LGBTQIAP+) and reflect broader societal considerations, such as human rights. Therefore, validated items for the three dimensions (i.e. diversity, equity [human rights] and inclusion) were identified.
Originality/value
This study provides systematically validated scales to measure supplier DEI based on three dimensions. Each dimension can be developed separately from the others, but they are intertwined, which reinforces the contribution to both scholars and practitioners.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank Dr Simone A. P. Campos who revised a version of this paper as well as the editorial team for providing the review feedback. Additionally, the authors thank all participants of this research for supporting the study.
Since submission of this article, the following author has updated their affiliation: Minelle E. Silva is at the Supply Chain Management Department, Asper School of Business, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.
Citation
Silva, M.E., Ruel, S. and Sousa-Filho, J.M. (2024), "Measuring supplier diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI): scale development and empirical validation", Supply Chain Management, Vol. 29 No. 2, pp. 279-296. https://doi.org/10.1108/SCM-06-2023-0306
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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