Enhancing sustainability in the contemporary model of CSR: a case of fast fashion industry in developing countries

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hoang Tien Nguyen ◽  
Doan Minh Duc Le ◽  
Thien Thong Minh Ho ◽  
Phuong Mai Nguyen
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Corporate Culture ◽  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Fashion Industry ◽  
Sustainable Leadership ◽  
Fast Fashion ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Business Entities ◽  
State Of Research ◽  
Corporate Environmental Sustainability

Purpose This study aims to point out the importance and the relevance of sustainability issues and the need for their enhancement in the contemporary model of corporate social responsibility (CSR) as the top priority for business entities. Furthermore, it also highlights ways to enhance sustainability in the contemporary CSR model in the fast fashion industry of developing countries. Design/methodology/approach Literature review has been extensively done through available databases, including ProQuest and ScienceDirect. Findings This study delivers a full insight into the current state of research on the CSR model and sustainability in developing countries. The prevalent corporate environmental sustainability practices of global apparel brands are identified to propose ways to enhance sustainability in the contemporary CSR model. Research limitations/implications The growth of fast fashion industry brings the risks of unsustainability to developing countries. Thus, it is a must for the garment and textile companies to enhance a sustainable CSR model through promoting sustainable leadership and integrating corporate culture. Originality/value To the best of author’s knowledge, this study is the first to emphasise the role of sustainable leadership in promoting a sustainable CSR model in the fast fashion industry of developing countries.

Sustainability efforts in the fast fashion industry: consumer perception, trust and purchase intention

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hannah L. Neumann ◽  
Luisa M. Martinez ◽  
Luis F. Martinez
Keyword(s):  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Purchase Intention ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Consumer Attitude ◽  
Fashion Industry ◽  
Fast Fashion ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Perceived Consumer Effectiveness

Purpose This study aims to test for factors affecting environmental sustainability and purchase intention in the fashion industry. Accordingly, the authors developed a framework that depicts the relationships between perceptions of social responsibility, consumer attitude, trust, purchase intention and perceived consumer effectiveness. Design/methodology/approach An online survey was conducted with an internationally diverse sample of 216 consumers. Data were analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling. Findings The results indicated that perceptions of social responsibility directly affect consumers’ attitudes towards these fashion brands, as well as trust and perceived consumer effectiveness. Also, consumers need to perceive sustainability efforts of these brands as altruistic, and trust was found to be a direct predictor of purchase intention. However, both consumer attitude and perceived consumer effectiveness did not predict purchase intention. Research limitations/implications The survey was primarily distributed to young people. Therefore, a generalisation of the findings to other age groups might be limited. Practical implications Practicing managers should emphasise the fact that environmental sustainability and fast fashion brands could be sustainable to increase trust among consumers. Social implications When it comes to environmental issues, positive perceptions regarding the companies’ social responsibility efforts are vital to enhance both consumers’ trust towards the brands and their individual feeling of empowerment. Originality/value This study intends to shed light on the key elements that shape consumers’ attitudes and willingness to purchase green apparel.

Key drivers of an agile, collaborative fast fashion supply chain

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 278-297 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ka-Leung Karen Moon ◽  
Ji-yeon Lee ◽  
Sze-yeung Charlotte Lai
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Market Structure ◽  
Subject Area ◽  
Fashion Industry ◽  
Fast Fashion ◽  
Integrated Network ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Supply Chain Agility ◽  
Key Drivers ◽  
Business Pattern

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the market structure and the key drivers of the competitiveness of an agile and collaborative fast fashion supply chain using South Korea’s Dongdaemun fashion market – one of the world’s largest and most competitive fashion hubs – as an example. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative approach is employed with a two-stage study. The first stage is a preliminary study based on a desk research and several field visits, while the second is an in-depth interview study with seven informants collectively representative of the members of all echelons along a fashion supply chain. Findings The findings demonstrate that the Dongdaemun fashion market has a complex market structure and a unique business pattern. Supply chain agility and collaboration are two important components of its success, which are supported by five factors: self-sufficient structure, multiple-integrated network, strong entrepreneurship, close and long-lasting buyer-seller relationships, and quick-response product delivery and inventory replenishment. Originality/value This study extends our knowledge of supply chain management in the fast fashion industry and provides insights to assist in the development of supply chain strategies in other fashion markets and/or other industries. The extended conceptual framework as well as the proposed questions may serve as points of reference for future studies in the subject area.

scholarly journals HUBUNGAN KERJA DALAM INDUSTRI FAST FASHION: ANALISIS ISI TERHADAP FENOMENA EKSPLOITASI (STUDI KASUS FILM THE TRUE COST DAN NIKE SWEATSHOPS)

INFORMASI ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 46 (1) ◽  
pp. 33
Author(s):  
Tri Apriliani
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Manufacturing Industry ◽  
Labor Relations ◽  
Physical Violence ◽  
Fashion Industry ◽  
Analysis Method ◽  
Fast Fashion ◽  
True Cost ◽  
Content Analysis Method ◽  
Similarities And Differences

The fast-fashion industry is one of the manufacturing industry that is associated with the developing countries as a producer of their products. Authors carriying an issue of labor relations in the fast-fashion industry which is very important to be studied due to exploitation issues. The main focus of the study is to assess the film “The True Cost” which describes the fast-fashion industry in Bangladesh and “Nike Sweatshops” which describes the fast-fashion industry in Indonesia. This study sought to answer whetherthe exploitation occurs in fast-fashion industry are presented in the movie “The True Cost” and “Nike Sweatshops” and how the mechanism of the exploitation is working. By using the content analysis method, it was found that in both films the exploitation did occur, but both films have similarities and differences of the dominant aspects of exploitation based on wages, health insurance, safety insurance, time, physical violence and the formation of unions. In addition besides the findings of the movie, the context of the economic, social, and political in certain periods and employment policies contribute to the occurrence of labor exploitationIndustri fast-fashion merupakan salah satu jenis industri manufaktur yang tidak terlepas kaitannya dengan negara-negara berkembang sebagai penghasil produknya. Penulis mengangkat sebuah isu tentang hubungan kerja di dalam industri fast-fashion yang sangat penting untuk dikaji karena maraknya isu eksploitasi.Fokus utama penelitian adalah mengkaji film “The True Cost” yang menggambarkan industri fast fashion di Bangladesh dan “Nike Sweatshops” yang menggambarkan industri fast fashion di Indonesia. Penelitian ini berusaha untuk menjawab apakah eksploitasi terjadi pada industri fast-fashion yang disajikan dalam film “The True Cost” dan “Nike Sweatshops”serta bagaimana mekanisme eksploitasi tersebut bekerja. Dengan menggunakan menggunakan metode analisis isi, didapati bahwa dalam kedua film ini eksploitasi memang terjadi namun kedua film ini memiliki kesamaan dan perbedaandari aspekdominan eksploitasi berdasarkan upah, jaminan kesehatan, jaminan keselamatan, waktu, kekerasan fisik dan pembentukan serikat. Selain temuan dari film tesebut, didapati bahwa konteks ekonomi, sosial, dan politik pada periode tertentu serta kebijakan ketenagakerjaan turut mendukung terjadinya eksploitasi tenaga kerja.

Fast and ultra-fast fashion supply chain management: an exploratory research

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (6) ◽  
pp. 537-553
Author(s):  
Lucas Ramos Camargo ◽  
Susana Carla Farias Pereira ◽  
Marcia Regina Santiago Scarpin
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chain Management ◽  
Business Model ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
Technological Capabilities ◽  
Fashion Industry ◽  
Fast Fashion ◽  
Chain Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Start Ups

PurposeThe aim of this study is to identify and analyse the main strategic differences between fast and ultra-fast fashion supply chain management.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses a qualitative approach, using document analysis and in-depth interviews with industry specialists.FindingsUltra-fast fashion differs from fast in the following supply chain strategies: avoids any excess inventory, focuses on local manufacturing, on-demand production, and shorter lead times from a few days to a week with a combination of agile, lean, responsive supply chain strategies.Research limitations/implicationsThe limitations of this research are due to the cut-off period and the use of a restricted sample. As implications, technological capabilities are underexplored in the fashion industry. Although important to the traditional and fast fashion industry, technology is viewed as a tool and not as a capability that can generate competitive advantage. This paper addresses technology as capabilities to make ultra-fast fashion retailers more competitive.Practical implicationsUltra-fast fashion could potentially impact current fast fashion retailers to partially move their business model and operations towards an ultra-fast approach. Fast fashion retailers desiring to speed up their production processes launch more weekly collections to cater to consumers who are more fashion-conscious.Originality/valueThere is a rapid emergence of new start-ups that are calling themselves ultra-fast. Newcomers wanting to adopt this new segment’s business model, develop technological capabilities to meet the challenges of this supercompetitive market.

scholarly journals Do ethical concerns and personal values influence the purchase intention of fast-fashion clothing?

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 99-120 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tara Stringer ◽  
Gary Mortimer ◽  
Alice Ruth Payne
Keyword(s):  
Animal Welfare ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Personal Values ◽  
Ethical Consumption ◽  
Business Practices ◽  
Fashion Industry ◽  
Fast Fashion ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Ethical Concerns ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThe rise of fast fashion has changed the face of global fashion. Despite sector growth, critics have questioned the level of obsolescence, encouragement of over-consumption and fast fashion's unsustainable business practices. Specifically, mounting concerns surround the impact on environmental, worker and animal welfare. Accordingly, the aim of this current work is to understand the influence of consumer's values on ethical consumption in a fast-fashion context.Design/methodology/approachAn online survey was designed to collect responses relating to personal values and ethical concerns towards animal and worker welfare issues, as well as environmental concerns. A total of 350 US-based fast-fashion consumers completed the survey via Amazon MTurk. Factor analyses and structural equation modelling were used to analyse and test a theoretically hypothesised model.FindingsThis study found that self-transcendence values and openness to change values have a positive impact on consumers' levels of ethical concern towards animal welfare, the environment and worker welfare concerns within the fashion industry. Furthermore, a consumer's level of concern towards animal welfare and the environment positively influences a consumer's likeliness to purchase ethically marketed fast fashion.Originality/valueThis is the first study to investigate the role of consumer values and their influence on ethical concerns within the fashion industry and the impact of these concerns on intentions to purchase ethically marketed fast fashion. Responding to calls for further research into ethical consumption of apparel, this study includes all elements of ethical consumption identified, including animal welfare. This study identifies ethical areas of concern salient amongst fast-fashion consumers and provides a deeper understanding of the values impacting the level of ethical concerns surrounding animal welfare, the environment and worker welfare.

scholarly journals Reverse supply chain practices in developing countries: the case of Morocco

2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 198-216 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jamal El Baz ◽  
Regina Frei ◽  
Issam Laguir
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Supply Chain ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Reverse Supply Chain ◽  
Content Type

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate reverse supply chain (RSC) practices and their obstacles using case studies of Moroccan companies. The authors present the main findings of case studies’ analysis along with a discussion of an RSC framework for further directions of research. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative approach was adopted and semi-structured interviews with Moroccan companies were conducted using an interview guide. Findings The authors present an RSC model that encompasses remanufacturing, refurbishing and disposal processes. The authors believe that this model would constitute a promising framework for further research. The findings show that the successful implementation of RSC depends on many factors, but the company’s attitude (proactive or conservative) is one of the most critical determinants in RSC initiatives. Furthermore, the results of the case studies indicate two types of inhibitors: external and internal. These findings confirm the results of previous research on environmental sustainability obstacles in general and RSC obstacles in particular. Research limitations/implications This study has some limitations that provide future research opportunities. Because this study is qualitative, further statistical support is needed to justify wider generalisation of its findings. Further studies might therefore investigate RSC practices in developing countries other than Morocco to increase the external validity of the results. Practical implications The findings can help firms to gain better understanding of their RSC and particularly the link between forward and RSCs. Consequently, companies can upgrade their business models to better control their RSC activities. Originality/value The relevant literature about RSC practices has mainly targeted manufacturing sectors in developed countries, and few studies have been conducted on developing countries. Research on RSC practices in developing countries in general and African countries in particular is sparse. This is one of the first articles written to address this gap by investigating RSC practices in Morocco.

Dichotomous impacts on social and environmental sustainability: competitiveness and development levels matter

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Eleanor Doyle ◽  
Mauricio Perez Alaniz
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Developing Countries ◽  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Building Blocks ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Dynamic Panel Data ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Global Competitiveness ◽  
Development Levels

Purpose Whereas in developed countries, sustainability primarily focuses on environmental topics, in developing countries the issues of poverty, development and equity are equally, if not more, important. The purpose of this paper is to apply measures of social and environmental sustainability to assess sustainable development for the period 2005–2015 across a sample of 94 countries for which relevant data are available. Countries include two groups: developed and developing countries. Design/methodology/approach Using the index-based approach introduced by the World Economic Forum in its Global Competitiveness Project, a range of indicators are collected for estimating trends in both social and environmental sustainability. For the panel of data identified, a dynamic panel data estimator method is applied to the data set constructed. This paper presents the empirical results identifying key competitiveness factors related to social and environmental sustainability (separately and combining both aspects in a comprehensive sustainability framework). Findings This study explores how sustainable competitiveness offers a comprehensive assessment of the inter-related dynamics of the social, the environmental and economic building blocks of sustainable development simultaneously. Performance impacts are found to differ substantially across two groups of countries depending on their development level. This highlights the challenges in shaping and achieving sustainable development goals. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research is novel in examining the intersections between economic competitiveness and environmental and social sustainability addressing an identified research gap. In addition, the paper investigates the most important competitiveness pillars focusing on both strengths and weaknesses in sustainable competitiveness across developed and developing countries.

scholarly journals As cheap as humanly possible: why consumers care less about worker welfare

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tara Stringer ◽  
Alice Ruth Payne ◽  
Gary Mortimer
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Behavioural Change ◽  
Ethical Consumption ◽  
Fashion Industry ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Fast Fashion ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Modern Slavery ◽  
Area Of Concern

PurposeWorker welfare and modern slavery within the fashion industry remain a key supply chain challenge for many retailers, consumers, governments and advocacy groups. Yet, despite publicised worker-welfare violations, many fashion retailers continue to post record sales and profits, indicating that consumer concern does not always translate at the cash register. Research has shown that worker welfare is a less salient area of concern for fashion consumers, and the aim of this research is to investigate the reasons why this may be the case.Design/methodology/approachDue to the exploratory nature of the research, a qualitative methodology was deemed the most appropriate. Twenty-one semi-structured interviews were conducted with Australian fast-fashion consumers to investigate the underlying reasons worker-welfare violations are less likely to elicit pro-social consumer behavioural change and are a less salient area of concern.FindingsThis study found that consumers perceive worker-welfare concerns at both a proximal and cultural distance to themselves, and therefore struggle to connect with the issues associated with modern slavery. Additionally, there was an underlying social consensus that exploitative practices are an accepted part of the fast-fashion supply chain to ensure the continuation of low-cost clothing. Despite an underlying awareness of exploitative practices and acknowledgement that modern slavery is ethically wrong, other consumer values often influenced purchase behaviour and the level of concern expressed towards garment workers.Originality/valueThis is the first study to apply psychological distance in a fast-fashion context to better understand consumer perceptions towards modern slavery. Responding to calls for further research into ethical consumption of apparel, this study develops an in-depth understanding of the reasons why worker welfare is a less salient area of concern for fast-fashion consumers. Extending on current literature, this study qualitatively investigates consumer sentiment towards worker welfare, identifying the greatest barriers to consumers' levels of concern. In addition to a theoretical contribution to the fashion, ethics and business literature, this article provides key insight to guide practice.

Virtual water flows and economic water productivity of Italian fair-trade: the case of bananas, cocoa and coffee

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pier Paolo Miglietta ◽  
Christian Fischer ◽  
Federica De Leo
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Fair Trade ◽  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Water Footprint ◽  
Water Productivity ◽  
Virtual Water ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Water Flows ◽  
Water Volumes ◽  
Measurement And Evaluation

PurposeIn a globalized economic system, the role of agrifood production is to ensure at the same time both the population's livelihood and environmental resource conservation. The present study aims at expanding the debate on the potentials of the fair-trade in terms of environmental sustainability.Design/methodology/approachThe research presents a methodology divided into three phases: (1) the identification of the water footprint values associated with the production of bananas, cocoa and coffee imported from developing countries to Italy; (2) the calculation of the virtual water volumes used to produce the crops imported from developing countries to Italy through fair-trade; (3) the analysis of the economic water productivity, obtained by the fair-trade premium, for bananas, cocoa and coffee.FindingsThe results of this study identified and measured the amount of virtual water flows and water savings or losses deriving from the fair-trade of bananas, cocoa and coffee. The average virtual water flow related to the fair-trade imports in Italy amounts to 7.27 million m3 for bananas, 22,275 m3 for cocoa and 14,334 m3 for coffee. The research findings also highlight that fair-trade and the related premium ensures at the same time the achievement of social and institutional purposes but also the remuneration of virtual water used within the life cycle of the imported crops.Originality/valuePrevious scientific literature showed that fair-trade premium has commonly been used to finance environmental protection. No study has evaluated the environmental impacts associated with fair-trade, nor the monetary value associated with the natural resources exploited to produce crops to be exported. This empirical paper fills a literature gap in terms of identification, measurement and evaluation of virtual water flows along the supply chain processes of some fair-traded crops, also providing, through the economic water productivity approach, a useful tool for decision-makers.

Knowledge management in local governments in developing countries: a systematic literature review

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joshua Rumo Arongo ◽  
Judy Backhouse
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Local Government ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Systematic Literature Review ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Academic Literature ◽  
State Of Research

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine the state of research into knowledge management within local government in developing countries, to identify themes that have been studied and to identify important gaps in the literature that can inform a research agenda going forward. Design/methodology/approach A structured literature review method was used in this study. The authors reviewed academic literature published between 2009 and 2019. A total of 15 articles were identified and reviewed. Findings The findings reveal that, few authors have contributed to knowledge management within local government in developing countries and there is little international collaboration between authors. The authors found limited methodological and theoretical diversity and rigor in the reviewed work. The review identified themes that have been researched but evidenced a lack of guidelines and frameworks developed to promote knowledge management initiatives within local governments in developing countries. Overall, it was evident that this area was still little explored. As a result, there are many possibilities for future research. Originality/value This study provides a comprehensive systematic literature review of papers published on knowledge management in local governments in developing countries, identifying themes that have been studied and gaps for further research.

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