Fairness is an important topic that forms part of an organisation’s sustainability practice and agenda, particularly from a social dimension. However, past studies have rarely considered the role of fairness as a driver of sustainability in multi-tier supply chains. The purpose of this paper is two-fold. First, it examines the impact of fairness perceptions on the relationship between multi-tier supply chain partners. Second, it investigates the dynamics of on-going fairness formations in different stages of the vibrant multi-tier supply chain relationship development process. These gaps have been addressed by reporting the findings of qualitative research. Primary data were obtained from 18 procurement and supply practitioners of buying firms and their top tier-1 & 2 suppliers. Findings show that fairness perceptions have an impact on collaborative activities between multi-tier supply chain partners. These collaborative responses such as information sharing, joint relationship effort, and dedicated investment can also impact critical aspects of the multi-tier supply chain relationship such as trust, commitment, satisfaction, and conflict resolution. The findings show that multi-tier supply chain partners have different expectations but usually evaluate fairness at the review phase of the relationship development process. These considerations offer theoretical and practical guidance towards the advancement of sustainable multi-tier supply chain relationships.

公平是构成组织可持续发展实践和议程的一部分的重要主题，尤其是从社会角度而言。但是，过去的研究很少考虑公平在多层供应链中作为可持续性驱动因素的作用。本文的目的是双重的。首先，它研究了公平观念对多层供应链合作伙伴之间关系的影响。其次，它研究了在充满活力的多层供应链关系发展过程的不同阶段持续进行的公平形成的动力。通过报告定性研究的结果来解决这些差距。主要数据来自18家采购公司的采购和供应从业人员及其顶级的1级和2级供应商。研究结果表明，公平感会影响多层供应链合作伙伴之间的协作活动。这些协作响应（例如信息共享，联合关系工作和专用投资）也可能影响多层供应链关系的关键方面，例如信任，承诺，满意度和冲突解决。调查结果表明，多层供应链合作伙伴期望值不同，但通常在关系开发过程的审查阶段评估公平性。这些考虑为可持续的多层供应链关系的发展提供了理论和实践指导。专门的投资也会影响多层供应链关系的关键方面，例如信任，承诺，满意度和解决冲突。调查结果表明，多层供应链合作伙伴期望值不同，但通常在关系开发过程的审查阶段评估公平性。这些考虑为可持续的多层供应链关系的发展提供了理论和实践指导。专门的投资也会影响多层供应链关系的关键方面，例如信任，承诺，满意度和解决冲突。调查结果表明，多层供应链合作伙伴期望值不同，但通常在关系开发过程的审查阶段评估公平性。这些考虑为可持续的多层供应链关系的发展提供了理论和实践指导。