Design Thinking as a Framework for Addressing Supply Chain Challenges: the Employers’ Perspective

The purpose of this paper is to analyse employers' perceptions regarding the role and economic contribution of foreign labour within the changing Croatian labour market, contrasting global shifts toward proactive supply chain resilience with the predominantly reactive crisis management strategies observed among local organizations. Conceptualized through the Design Thinking framework, the study structures this complex socio-economic issue across the stages of empathy (Empathize), problem definition (Define), and interpretation (Ideate/ Interpret). The methodology utilizes a quantitative research design using a convenience and purposive sample of employers in the Republic of Croatia, applying inferential statistical analysis to evaluate both the general sample and the specific subsample of organizations with experience in hiring foreign labour. Main findings indicate that personal experiences and perceived productivity effects converge around neutral values, while broader market growth contributions show statistical significance. However, a significant consensus exists regarding high administrative complexity, which inferential analysis indicates to be independent of direct operational experiences. Furthermore, findings suggest that cost-driven motivations are less pronounced, indicating that foreign labour is primarily utilized as a structural substitute to maintain business continuity within deficit occupations, thereby carrying implications for broader supply chain stability. In the Define stage, results indicate an uneven sectoral and regional distribution concentrated in industry and construction, while locating a perceived lower adoption rate in utilizing digital trend-monitoring tools. The primary research limitation stems from the exploratory and perceptual nature of the study and its convenience sample, preventing national generalisation. Additionally, suggestions for further research include Cluster Analysis for stakeholder segmentation and ANOVA testing to examine internal sample variances. To address workforce challenges, implications emphasize the need for institutional predictive and prescriptive digital platforms, regulatory fast-track permit procedures, and sectorspecific micro-credentials in educational institutions, ultimately enabling a transition toward proactive operational resilience across broader supply chain management.