CSR and Ethical Trading in India : a critique of socially responsible supply-chain management

Abstract

While globalised production offers development opportunities, it also involves challenges to the wellbeing of communities inserted in global commodity chains. Socially responsible supply chain management is a response. Drawing on devices from Global Production Network theory (GPN) and Labour geography, this thesis interrogates the question of wage arrangement at a bottom-rung producer in India supplying garments to Varner, an esteemed member of the Norwegian ETI. A key insight is that while wage arrangements in Noida complies with Varner's code of conduct, they do not provide for workers' wellbeing. As much GPN-literature suggests, ethical supply chain management will only make a real difference if it carefully considers conditions beyond the supply chain itself.