Sustainable partner selection for collaborative networked organisations with risk consideration in the context of COVID-19

Purpose Collaborative networked organisations (CNO) are a means of ensuring longevity and business continuity in the face of a global crisis such as COVID-19. This paper aims to present a multi-criteria decision-making method for sustainable partner selection based on the three sustainability pillars and risk. Design/methodology/approach A combined analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and fuzzy AHP (F-AHP) with Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution approach is the methodology used to evaluate and rank potential partners based on known conditions and predicted conditions at a future time based on uncertainty to support sustainable partner selection. Findings It is integral to include risk criteria as an addition to the three sustainability pillars: economic, environmental and social, to build a robust and sustainable CNO. One must combine the AHP and F-AHP weightings to ensure the most appropriate sustainable partner selection for the current as well as predicted future period. Research limitations/implications The approach proposed in this paper is intended to support existing CNO, as well as individual firms wanting to create a CNO, to build a more robust and sustainable partner selection process in the context of a force majeure such as COVID-19. Originality/value This paper presents a novel approach to the partner selection process for a sustainable CNO under current known conditions and future uncertain conditions, highlighting the risk of a force majeure occurring such as COVID-19.