The role of social enterprises in reducing UK supermarket food waste: a network perspective

Sandilands, Samantha Anne ORCID: 0000-0002-2067-9714 (2024). The role of social enterprises in reducing UK supermarket food waste: a network perspective. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

This research aims to investigate the networks involved in food waste reduction in three major UK supermarkets, with a focus on the use of social enterprise within the networks. Granovetter’s (1973) strength of weak ties theory is used as a lens through which to analyse the network, taking his assertions around the four factors involved in strong ties - time, emotional intensity, mutual confiding and reciprocity - to better understand the ties involved in the network.

A qualitative case study approach is used for this research, taking each of the three supermarkets as individual cases. Each case contains a series of primary semi-structured interviews and secondary data to triangulate the findings, which are presented using network maps, tables and discursive thematic analysis for each case. The cases are then analysed using a cross-case analysis.

The key findings from this research from a theoretical perspective, are that the four factors described in Granovetter’s theory may be true of some network relationships, but are certainly not required in all strong ties. Granovetter also asserts that networks with more weak ties are often more effective as they contain more nodes and bridging ties and thus can have a wider reach. However, in some cases where there is a physical exchange of products between organisations, networks with strong ties were found in this research to be more effective in facilitating this. Therefore, the networks have been shown to be far more nuanced than Granovetter’s theory allows for, particularly for networks which are not just information-based but where there is a physical product involved.

In practice, this research not only tests the four factors proposed by Granovetter, but seeks to identify further developments which act as facilitating factors and barriers to effectiveness within the network. A series of factors were identified which demonstrate some consistency across the three cases in this research. This has helped to inform a series of policy recommendations for food waste in the UK. Where voluntary agreements have facilitated some progress against the UN Sustainable Development Goal 12.3, to reduce food waste by 50% by 2030, the relatively hands-off approach taken by DEFRA and the UK government means that progress is currently varied. Recommending a greater level of involvement, similarly to countries such as France, Italy and some US states, could accelerate progress and improve consistency between the supermarkets’ advancement toward food waste reduction.

In summary, this research contributes to literature in the areas of social enterprise, food waste and network theory, and provides some evidence-based recommendations for policy and practice in food waste reduction in UK supermarkets.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):