AI‐Driven Green‐Supply‐Chains and Corporate Social Responsibility for Decent Work Environments: Pathways Toward Achieving SDG 8 and ISO 26000 Labor Standards
Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management
Published online on May 04, 2026
Abstract
["Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, Volume 33, Issue 3, Page 3424-3446, May 2026. ", "\nABSTRACT\nArtificial intelligence (AI) plays a pivotal role in advancing decent work (SDG 8). This study investigates how AI adoption strengthens the relationship between green supply chain management (GSCM), corporate social responsibility (CSR), and five ISO‐26000 labor practice dimensions aligned with SDG 8. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS‐SEM) analysis of survey data from 428 SMEs' managers and employees reveals that GSCM drives CSR adoption, which in turn significantly enhances four labor dimensions: employment relationships/income security (SDG 8.5), occupational health/safety (SDG 8.8), social dialog (SDG 8.5/8.8), and human development (SDG 8.6). However, CSR demonstrates a negligible impact on social protection (SDG 8.b), highlighting critical vulnerability gaps. Crucially, AI adoption strengthens the GSCM–CSR relationship in technologically advanced firms by enhancing operational transparency and accountability. Grounded in Stakeholder and Dynamic Capabilities Theories, this research delineates AI's role in scaling decent work in emerging economies while underscoring policy imperatives for social protection safeguards.\n"]