Author
Listed:
- Elsje Fourie
(Elsje Fourie is the corresponding author (e.fourie@maastrichtuniversity.nl) from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Maastricht University, Netherlands.)
- Bilisuma Dito
(Bilisuma Dito, Konjit Gudeta and Valentina Mazzucato are also affiliated with the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Maastricht University, Netherlands.)
- Konjit Gudeta
(Bilisuma Dito, Konjit Gudeta and Valentina Mazzucato are also affiliated with the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Maastricht University, Netherlands.)
- Karen Schelleman-Offermans
(Karen Schelleman-Offermans and Kai Jonas are affiliated with the Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Netherlands.)
- Valentina Mazzucato
(Bilisuma Dito, Konjit Gudeta and Valentina Mazzucato are also affiliated with the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Maastricht University, Netherlands.)
- Kai Jonas
(Karen Schelleman-Offermans and Kai Jonas are affiliated with the Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Netherlands.)
Abstract
Observers of Ethiopia’s entry into export-oriented global value chains generally agree that social upgrading is crucial if these chains’ largely female workforce is to reap the benefits of participation. They disagree, however, on the extent to which a ‘business case’ can be made to involve in this upgrading the managers who link frontline workers to international buyers. This article takes a novel approach to these questions by directly asking these managers and those who advise them on human resources how they understand the well-being of their frontline workers. Drawing on 37 qualitative semi-structured interviews, we find great variation in the extent to which such actors are interested in pursuing worker well-being and social upgrading beyond basic compliance. This is indeed due in part to the sectoral dynamics that have shaped managers’ views of what constitutes a profitable labour regime but also by sociocultural factors that include managers’ own national contexts, gender and class.
Suggested Citation
Elsje Fourie & Bilisuma Dito & Konjit Gudeta & Karen Schelleman-Offermans & Valentina Mazzucato & Kai Jonas, 2024.
"The Bitter and the Sweet: Managerial Perceptions of the Well-Being of Ethiopian Female Apparel and Horticultural Workers,"
Progress in Development Studies, , vol. 24(2), pages 185-201, April.
Handle:
RePEc:sae:prodev:v:24:y:2024:i:2:p:185-201
DOI: 10.1177/14649934231210099
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