Sourcing ethics in the textile sector: The case of C&A

Graafland, J.J. (2002): Sourcing ethics in the textile sector: The case of C&A. Published in: Business Ethics: A European Review , Vol. 3, No. 11 (2002): pp. 282-294.

Abstract

During the last years competition in the textile sector has increased, putting financial returns under considerable pressure. As a result, production has shifted to low wage countries in the third world. This has raised the relevance of ethical procedures. This paper analyses how C&A as one of the largest Western apparel companies organises its sourcing ethics, notwithstanding the financial pressure in the market. Based on interviews with Asian suppliers of C&A during the second half of 2000, we review the opinions of external stakeholders about the sourcing ethics of C&A. Finally, we evaluate C&A’s sourcing ethics from a theoretical perspective.

• Item Type: MPRA Paper
• Language: English
• Keywords: Textile sector; audit; sourcing; code of conduct; compliance; ethics; corporate social responsibility; child labour
• Subjects: M - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting > M1 - Business Administration > M14 - Corporate Culture; Social Responsibility; L - Industrial Organization > L6 - Industry Studies: Manufacturing > L67 - Other Consumer Nondurables: Clothing, Textiles, Shoes, and Leather; J - Labor and Demographic Economics > J8 - Labor Standards: National and International > J81 - Working Conditions; M - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting > M4 - Accounting and Auditing > M42 - Auditing; J - Labor and Demographic Economics > J8 - Labor Standards: National and International > J83 - Workers' Rights

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