Technologies are supposed to make processes faster and more efficient. Can they also improve social interaction morally? Blockchain technology is said to lead to greater fairness through transparency and accountability. In this paper, we explore the extent to which this expectation is true. Using the coffee supply chain as an exemplary use case, we examine the extent to which the use of blockchain can contribute to greater fairness in global supply chains. We argue against a hasty equation that transparency automatically entails more fairness. Rather, we cite other factors that are necessary for fair behavior. One important factor are supply chain laws that legally enforce compliance with human rights along the supply chain. Methodologically, we follow an interdisciplinary approach that combines ethics and computer science. The elaborated ethical approach to fairness is based on a linguistic approach on the one hand, and on John Rawls’s concept of Justice as Fairness on the other hand, which highlights fair behavior not least as rational behavior that benefits everyone. The level of governance thus addressed is also considered from the technological side. We argue for fairness to be a guiding principle within the IT governance of blockchain consortia. This relates in particular to trust, legal compliance, decision-making, decision rights and responsibilities. To provide empirical support for the statements made, we conducted a literature review as well as interviews with various actors in a specialty coffee supply chain, which provides evidence of an interest in fairness from very different stakeholders. We conclude that blockchain is a suitable way to give technological form to a societal will for more fairness in global supply chains, but that it can never replace the human will for transformation for good.    «

Technologies are supposed to make processes faster and more efficient. Can they also improve social interaction morally? Blockchain technology is said to lead to greater fairness through transparency and accountability. In this paper, we explore the extent to which this expectation is true. Using the coffee supply chain as an exemplary use case, we examine the extent to which the use of blockchain can contribute to greater fairness in global supply chains. We argue against a hasty equation th...    »