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Corporate social responsibility: A supplier-centered perspective

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  • Peter Lund-Thomsen

Abstract

This article develops a supplier-centered approach to corporate social responsibility (CSR) in global value chains (GVCs) by answering the research question: why are suppliers in the Global South that are integrated into GVCs often highly skeptical of CSR? As CSR constitutes a vague and contested term, we undertake a short review of some of the most dominant CSR conceptions that have emerged in the last 20 years. We argue that these CSR definitions are often framed and promoted by key actors in the Global North, the home of many lead firms, in ways that overlook the unique challenges and broader circumstances faced by suppliers and countries in the Global South. We conclude by combining the key considerations of local suppliers in a more consolidated supplier perspective on CSR in GVCs.

Suggested Citation

  • Peter Lund-Thomsen, 2020. "Corporate social responsibility: A supplier-centered perspective," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 52(8), pages 1700-1709, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:envira:v:52:y:2020:i:8:p:1700-1709
    DOI: 10.1177/0308518X20948070
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Ari Van Assche & Kristin Brandl, . "Harnessing power within global value chains for sustainable development," UNCTAD Transnational Corporations Journal, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.
    3. Hyunji KWON & Sun Wook CHUNG & Joonkoo LEE, 2021. "South Korean first‐tier suppliers in apparel global value chains: Upgrading and labour implications in the Asian context," International Labour Review, International Labour Organization, vol. 160(4), pages 553-569, December.
    4. Ari Van Assche & Rajneesh Narula, 2023. "Internalization strikes back? Global value chains, and the rising costs of effective cascading compliance," Economia e Politica Industriale: Journal of Industrial and Business Economics, Springer;Associazione Amici di Economia e Politica Industriale, vol. 50(1), pages 161-173, March.
    5. Carlo Pietrobelli & Roberta Rabellotti & Ari Van Assche, 2021. "Making sense of global value chain-oriented policies: The trifecta of tasks, linkages, and firms," Journal of International Business Policy, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 4(3), pages 327-346, September.

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