Conflict management, green operations enhance food supply chains in emerging markets

A comprehensive study titled “Evaluating Conflict Management Strategies and Supply Chain Performance: A Systematic Literature Review Within Jordan’s Food Manufacturing Sector”, published in World, has unpacked the critical role conflict management strategies (CMS) play in shaping the supply chain performance (SCP) in Jordan’s food manufacturing sector.

The study undertakes a systematic review of 119 peer-reviewed papers spanning from 2010 to 2025, drawing on five major theoretical lenses: stakeholder theory, conflict theory, social exchange theory, game theory, and resource dependence theory.

The findings reveal that the five core CMS, collaboration, accommodation, avoidance, compromise, and competition, vary in effectiveness depending on context. Among these, collaboration emerged as the most impactful strategy, significantly improving resource allocation, stakeholder alignment, and resilience. It was particularly effective in navigating Jordan’s unique operational challenges, such as regional geopolitical instability, resource scarcity, and fragmented regulatory frameworks.

In contrast, avoidance and competition were only selectively useful. While avoidance reduced unnecessary disruptions, it often limited long-term responsiveness. Competition, though driving efficiency, risked destabilizing relationships and inflaming disputes, especially where power imbalances were prominent. Accommodation and compromise, meanwhile, proved essential in maintaining relational harmony and operational continuity in a culturally nuanced business environment like Jordan.

The study’s nuanced approach highlights that there is no one-size-fits-all CMS model. Instead, adaptive strategies that reflect Jordan’s socio-economic dynamics offer the best outcomes in terms of cost control, delivery reliability, and product quality.

What role do operational processes and green practices play?

The research provides strong evidence that supply chain operational processes (SCOP), production planning, inventory management, logistics, and distribution, serve as crucial mediators in translating CMS into measurable performance gains. In Jordan’s food sector, SCOP practices were found to buffer the negative effects of conflict by ensuring efficiency, reducing waste, and enhancing delivery speed.

For instance, improved production planning, aided by collaborative CMS, allowed firms to better forecast demand, manage raw material shortages, and allocate resources effectively. Strategic inventory management, aligned with conflict resolution efforts, minimized stockouts and curbed disputes over delayed or incomplete deliveries. Effective logistics coordination also helped mitigate geopolitical constraints and ensure on-time delivery despite infrastructural bottlenecks.

Beyond operational processes, customer-centric green supply chain management (CCGSCM) stood out as another pivotal mediator. The post-COVID market, characterized by sustainability-driven consumer expectations, now demands supply chains that are both efficient and environmentally responsible. The study found that companies aligning their conflict management strategies with green initiatives, such as waste reduction, circular economy practices, and customer-facing sustainability, experienced improved stakeholder trust and brand loyalty.

Green strategies tailored around consumer needs also helped companies stay resilient during disruptions and offered a competitive edge in both domestic and export markets. The integration of technologies like blockchain and IoT into green practices further strengthened transparency and traceability, key to building sustainable supply networks in Jordan’s constrained industrial ecosystem.

Why is this research vital for Jordan and emerging economies?

Jordan’s food manufacturing sector is a critical pillar of the country’s economy and food security, but it remains vulnerable to external shocks, including resource constraints, political instability, and trade disruptions. This study comes at a pivotal time, offering actionable insights for industry leaders and policymakers aiming to improve operational efficiency and align with global development frameworks like the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 9, 11, and 12).

Unlike advanced economies such as the UAE or Singapore, where conflict resolution is largely formalized through regulatory and technological mechanisms, Jordan relies heavily on informal, relationship-based CMS. This context-sensitive approach, while culturally effective, often limits the speed and scalability of conflict mitigation. The study recommends blending these relational strategies with digital and data-driven tools to elevate long-term supply chain performance.

Moreover, the authors identify power dynamics and long-term relationships as essential moderating factors. In Jordan’s market, dominant actors often dictate terms, affecting how conflict is resolved and operations are structured. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are especially affected, needing tailored CMS that protect their interests while preserving strategic partnerships. Building long-term relationships was found to lower conflict intensity, making it easier to apply collaborative or compromise-based solutions.