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Does transnational private governance reduce or displace labor abuses? Addressing sorting dynamics across global supply chains

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  • Koenig-Archibugi, Mathias

Abstract

The attention of practitioners and scholars of private regulation of working conditions is focused on whether and how corporate buyers can help improve labor and safety standards in the factories that supply them by adopting codes of conduct, joining social certification schemes, participating in social audit processes, and financing safety improvements. In this Note, I argue that more attention should be paid to the possibility that private regulation schemes – whatever degree of compliance they achieve - mostly result in a displacement effect or sorting dynamic that leaves overall level of working conditions unchanged. The Note sketches a research agenda aimed at identifying the conditions under which a sorting dynamic can occur and at conceiving innovative private governance designs that could avoid it.

Suggested Citation

  • Koenig-Archibugi, Mathias, 2017. "Does transnational private governance reduce or displace labor abuses? Addressing sorting dynamics across global supply chains," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 83517, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    • Handle: RePEc:ehl:lserod:83517
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Kelly Pike, 2020. "Voice in Supply Chains: Does the Better Work Program Lead to Improvements in Labor Standards Compliance?," ILR Review, Cornell University, ILR School, vol. 73(4), pages 913-938, August.

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    JEL classification:

    • R14 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Land Use Patterns
    • J01 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - General - - - Labor Economics: General

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