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Global Brands and Labour in Developing Countries

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Global Brands and Labour in Developing Countries
Global Brands and Labour in Developing Countries
Topic: 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



Bibliography: Child Labour Public education Project (2006). International Workers ' Rights. http://www.continuetolearn.uiowa.edu/laborctr/child_labor/about/international_workers_rights.html [Accessed: May 12, 2006] Clean Clothes Campaign (2006). www.cleanclothes.org [Accessed: May 11, 2006] Corpwatch (2006). Sweatshops. www.corpwatch.org [Accessed: May 11, 2006] The 14 Worst Corporate Evildoers. http://www.corpwatch.org [Accessed: May 11, 2006] ETI (2006). Annual Reports from 1998-2006; Ethical Trading Initiative. www.ethicaltrade.org/Z/lib/libr/date.shtml [Accessed: May 11, 2006] GlobalScan (2005). 2005 Corporate Social Responsibility Monitor. www.globalscan.com [Accessed: May 11, 2006] Hammond, K. (1997). Leaked Audit: Nike Factory Violated Workers ' Laws; Mother Jones Magazine. http://www.motherjones.com/news/feature/1997/11/nike.html [Accessed: May 11, 2006] Sweatshop Watch (2006). http://www.sweatshopwatch.org/

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