Assessing the business case for supplier diversity in the construction housing sector
As the construction industry faces increased pressures to act in a more socially responsible way, the concept of "supplier diversity" is one of several topics that have found its way to the corporate social responsibility agenda. Often seen as a strand of the notion of ethical sourcing, the supplier diversity debate relates to the issue of promoting greater diversity in the supply chain by providing opportunities for traditionally under-represented suppliers to engage with large purchasing organisations. This thesis is an account of the final stage of a wider exploratory study assessing whether there is a business case for supplier diversity in the construction housing sector. Utilising an in-depth interview approach, it focuses on the merits of the "business case" for supplier diversity from the perspective of the minority business owner operating as a contractor (typically a small firm), in the construction housing sector. The research evidence presented stimulates a discussion about some very sensitive yet serious issues with the aim being to crystallise and create greater awareness of the business case for supplier diversity in the construction housing sector.
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