Novel ergonomics indicator-based approach for evaluating a supplier organization's sustainable process performance

Abstract

Ergonomics principles can be crucial in supplier audits by providing an effective framework and continuum ratings, moving beyond check-sheet based dichotomous rating. In contemporary supply chain management practices focal firms –which govern supply chains– are held accountable for product sourcing and transportation deficiencies. This study proposes a novel method for assessing the supplier organization's sustainability performance by integrating twenty-five ergonomics indicators (EIs) across economic, ecological, and social dimensions. Data from 38 Pakistani supplier organizations exporting products to Western firms were analyzed to develop an interval-scale-based evaluation scheme, and aggregated to form an organization's composite sustainable performance score. The results showed that the economic dimension was more frequently measured by the organizations compared to the ecological and social dimensions. Moreover, mapping these EIs onto Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) demonstrates their relevance to SDGs broadly. A performance scorecard was also designed to assess suppliers' sustainability practices within the ergonomics paradigm, enabling organization-to-organization comparisons through visual representation. This approach supports focal firms in incorporating sustainable and resilient process performance into their supplier evaluations.