Management Control Systems and Social Sustainability in Supply Chains : a Bibliometric-Systematic Literature Review

Over recent years, the relationship between Management Control Systems (MCSs) and Social Sustainability Supply Chains (SSCSs) has garnered increasing academic interest, thus reflecting the relevance of social issues in procurement and production networks worldwide. This study aims to systematize such research scope by carrying out a Bibliometric-Systematic Literature Review (B-SLR) of 64 peer-reviewed articles between 2008 and 2025. We investigated how MCSs addressed social risks in supply chains and shaped firms' responsibilities toward workers and communities. In particular, four thematic clusters were identified from the bibliometric analysis that focus on managerial integration, risk management, quantitative modeling, and humanitarian operations. Afterwards, the qualitative analysis highlighted a rising convergence between control mechanisms and social performance, yet also revealed crucial research gaps that pave the way for future research, including the need for integrative frameworks and in-depth

analyses of reporting practices to enhance transparency, accountability, and social impact measurement in supply chain management. [Publisher's Text]