Enablers, Obstacles, and Impacts of Responsible Sourcing Strategies in Moroccan Companies: A Qualitative Analysis

Abstract

This qualitative analysis investigates the responsible sourcing practices of employees, managers, and directors of 12 companies operating in different sectors in Morocco. The 12 in-depth semi-directed interviews were analyzed using Nvivo 12 plus software, yielded 53 distinct codes, and grouped into six main categories, which led to the emergence of three main themes. The first theme uncovered by the research encompasses regulatory frameworks, stakeholder engagement, and organizational capacity as responsible sourcing enablers. The second theme tackles institutional, operational, and cultural impediments, while the third theme investigates market performance, social impact, and environmental benefits as direct impacts of responsible sourcing. This research uses neo-institutional and stakeholder theories as theoretical lenses, and results show that responsible sourcing adoption in Morocco is conditioned by various organizational, cultural, and operational restrictions. Market performance, social well-being, and environmental sustainability are all impacted by the implementation of responsible sourcing, demonstrating the strategic significance of such strategies in areas with high environmental and social vulnerabilities.