The impact of B-Corp certification on Supplier Relationships: multiple case studies of Portuguese companies

The B-Corporation is a growing movement which contributes to developing solutions concerning social and environmental issues in successful for-profit businesses. This paper contributes to the understanding of how supplier relationships are affected during and after the process of certification of Portuguese B-Corps. An exploratory multiple case study was carried out using five companies. The results suggest there was a formalization of the existing supplier relationships, rather than a change in the supplier networks and practices, since for most of the companies which participated in the study there was a continuity in their relationships with suppliers. This research holds academic significance as it examines the influence of a recently developed certification on the organizational structure and strategy of companies seeking it, as well as its impact on the sustainability journey of enterprises.