Multilevel drivers of social sustainability in developing food supply chains: the role of food safety management systems

Purpose Social sustainability is gaining recognition in food supply chains (SCs), particularly in developing countries. This study examines how social sustainability performance (SSP) is influenced by food safety management systems (FSMS) and other key determinants at the company, market, and broader contextual levels. Design/methodology/approach A survey was conducted with 1,000 food business executives in China and Vietnam, using questionnaires in both languages. Structural equation modelling was applied to analyze 280 valid responses. Findings Firm-level factors (human resource management, top management support, and organisational infrastructure), market-level factors (SC integration and external support), and broader contextual factors (food safety governance) positively impact FSMS and SSP. However, FSMS success does not directly enhance SSP, suggesting that while food safety is essential, it alone is insufficient to drive significant improvements in SSP. Originality/value This study offers a multi-level analysis of social sustainability in food SCs, advancing the resource-based view and stakeholder theory while prior studies emphasise either stringent regulation or single-level drivers. It enriches resource-based and stakeholder theory by showing that, in emerging Asian supply chains, social sustainability depends less on technical certification and more on the co-evolution of firm capabilities and collaborative market networks under digital pressure.