Understanding the nexus between stakeholders and the success of local food supply chains: A systematic literature review

The purpose of our study is to understand the nexus between stakeholders and the success of the local food supply chains (LFSCs). We conducted a systematic literature review (SLR) of 89 empirical papers to attain the research aim. Drawing on stakeholder theory, we have identified 12 distinct types of stakeholders that influence the development of LFSCs. We further categorized them into four groups (Players, Context setters, Subjects and Crowds) based on the power-interest matrix. Our analysis suggests that “Players” are the more significant stakeholders, followed by “Context setters”. Furthermore, we have identified five roles - “initiator”, “investor”, “educator”, “regulator”, and “facilitator” that stakeholders play in the successful development of LFSCs. However, their role enactment is triggered by drivers (self-centric and altruistic) while delayed by barriers (endogenous and exogenous). To satisfy drivers and vanquish barriers, stakeholders engage with each other. All these aspects are symbiotic; disregard or obliviousness of any of these leads to the failure of such chains. This is the first SLR that has adopted stakeholder theoretical lens in categorizing stakeholders of LFSCs; thus, this research has broadened the scope of the theory and widened the knowledge base of the investigated phenomena. By categorizing roles and showing what roles are unique and shared, this research clarifies level of contributions of stakeholders in developing LFSCs. Additionally, this study contributes to practice. The identification of stakeholders, especially the categorization, provides insights into whom to prioritize and why. Thus, guides focal firm in managing stakeholders effectively. This research offers directories of roles, drivers, and barriers by different stakeholders and types of chains that focal firm can consider while developing LFSCs.