Constructing a Hierarchical Agribusiness Framework in Chinese Belt and Road Initiatives under Uncertainty

• Main Authors: Li Cui, Min Zhang, Kuo-Jui Wu, Ming-Lang Tseng
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2018-01-01
• Series: Sustainability
• Subjects: sustainable food; stakeholder theory; agribusiness; vague interpretive structural modelling
• Online Access: http://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/10/1/251

As a result of China launching its belt and road initiatives, an increasing number of firms are searching for an approach to developing sustainability. In particular, agribusinesses are encountering difficulties exploring decisive practices for sustainable food in a context involving diverse stakeholders. To clarify these differences in expectations between agribusinesses and their stakeholders, this study employs vague sets associated with interpretive structural modelling to develop a framework for agribusinesses and their customers. A comparison of these two frameworks reveals that the government still plays a key role in motivating sustainable food development in terms of establishing the relevant regulations and processes. Moreover, the customer is the final stakeholder that must be taken into account by agribusiness. Both agribusinesses and customers are concerned about health and safety considerations in sustainable food. Further details related to this context are addressed in the present study.