Company Success and Social Progress - Transforming Agricultural Value Chains in Tanzania through Partnership Collaboration

Abstract

In recent years, companies have recognized the importance of investing in social and environmental issues to achieve sustainable competitive advantage. Simultaneously, they assume that there is an inherent conflict between improving economic returns and promoting societal progress. However, researchers emphasize that there are ways in which companies can create value for both business and society.

This study is a contribution to the understanding of how partnership collaboration in agricultural value chains in Tanzania can create shared value. More specifically, it identifies strategies that are used to create shared value in the coffee and rice value chains in Mbeya Region. Furthermore, it investigates how a multinational company operating in these value chains can contribute to sustainable change for both business and society.

To answer the research questions of this study, a qualitative case study was performed. During a five-week period in Tanzania, 15 informants were interviewed. These had managerial responsibilities and represented various actors in the coffee and rice value chains. In addition, observations, field visits, and documentation were used as sources of evidence.

This study contributes to both theory and practice. The theoretical contributions seek to close some of the gaps in existing literature on partnership collaboration in shared value initiatives. The practical applications include implications for managers on how to improve shared value strategies.