Grounded Theory Study of Unethical Labour Practices Associated with Global Brands in Developing Countries

(2006, 2845 words, 80%)

Abstract

This is a grounded theory study about unethical labour practices associated with global brands’ operations in developing countries. The research paper develops a substantive theory or at least a set of propositions explaining the wider contextual underpinnings of unethical labour practices deriving from the operations of global brand companies.

The grounded theory method chosen to undertake the research necessitates theoretical sampling of global brand companies that can substantiate the phenomenon in question. Data are obtained using tertiary literature, and analysis is performed using the constant comparative method of grounded theory approach.

The study methodology contributes in the development of grounded theory model of unethical labour practices associated with global brand companies in developing countries. Findings of the research paper refine understanding of the wider contextual issues surrounding abuse of labour often associated with the major global brand companies.

Keywords: Global brands; Consumerism; Unethical labour practices; Developing Countries; Grounded Theory.

1.1 Problem Statement

Through the World Trade Organization and regional and bilateral trade agreements, corporations now enjoy global protection for many newly introduced rights (Raworth 2005). As investors, the same companies are legally protected against a wide range of governments’ actions (Wright 2006). Workers’ rights have moved in the opposite direction (Somavia 2006; Raworth 2005). The result is that corporate rights are becoming ever stronger, while poor people’s rights and protections at work are being weakened (Raworth 2005).

One cause of such precarious conditions is the new business model that has emerged under globalisation. Global brand companies have positioned themselves as powerful gatekeepers between the world’s consumers and producers. Their global supply chains stretch from the supermarket shelves and clothes rails in the world’s major shopping centres to the fruit and vegetable farms of Latin America and Africa and the garment factories of South Asia and China.

Globalisation has hugely strengthened the negotiating hand global brand companies (Raworth 2005). New technologies, trade liberalisation, and capital mobility have dramatically opened up the number of countries and producers from which they can source their products, creating a growing number of producers vying for a place in their supply chains. At the same time, international mergers and acquisitions and aggressive pricing strategies have concentrated market power in the hands of a few major retailers,