Creating shared value

: the relationship between business and development : a study of the textile and garment industry in Bangladesh

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to better understand the relationship between business and development by looking particularly at the textile and garment industry in Bangladesh. Previous research shows that Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), or what today is better known as creating shared value, is often seen as a bridge connecting the arenas of business and development. This report raises and seeks to answer questions centered on the idea of ‘Decent Work’ as propounded by the International Labour Organization (ILO). What is the quality of life of workers in factories in Bangladesh who produce clothing’s that are exported to Europe? Can we call the conditions of employment of these workers as what ILO terms ‘Decent Work’? An exploratory research design is used to understand the different aspects of the research question. Data collection is performed through secondary data, and the research is divided into a quantitative and qualitative part. A statistical database is used to try to understand ILOs indicators of ‘Decent Work’ from the perspective of the local textile and garment worker in Bangladesh. Furthermore, five companies’ sustainability approach has been analyzed, all outsourcing their manufacturing to Bangladesh. The findings indicate that there are areas for improvement. Through relocation of supply chains, employment opportunities in Bangladesh are being created. However, many of the workers are working inhumane hours with payments below the minimum wage limit. And even though companies implement rules and routines in their Codes of Conduct to generate safe work conditions, accidents continue to happen.

Date of Award	2015
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Susana Frazão Ferreira Fernandes Pinheiro (Supervisor)