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Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate why multi-tier apparel suppliers integrate social sustainability practices into their supply chains and what barriers these suppliers encounter while embedding social sustainability practices. Design/methodology/approach: This study employs a qualitative research design, drawing on data from semi-structured interviews with 46 owners and managers from 33 multi-tier apparel suppliers in Bangladesh, an important outsourcing hub for the global apparel industry. To corroborate research findings, the views of owners and managers were triangulated by further interviewing 11 key representatives of institutional actors such as third-party auditors, a donor agency, industry associations, regulatory agencies and a non-governmental organisation (NGO). Findings: The authors' findings suggest a range of divergent institutional drivers and barriers – coercive, mimetic and normative – that determine the implementation of multi-tier suppliers' social sustainability practices. The key reported drivers were buyers' requirements, external stakeholders' expectations, top management commitment and competition. Conversely, cost and resource concerns and gaps in the regulatory framework were identified as key social sustainability implementation barriers. In particular, owners and managers of second-tier and third-tier supplier firms experienced more internal barriers such as cost and resource concerns than external barriers such as gaps in values, learning and commitment (i.e. compromise for mutual benefit and non-disclosure of non-compliance) that impeded effective social sustainability implementation. Research limitations/implications: Social sustainability in supply chain management has received significant attention from academics, business practitioners, governments, NGOs and supranational organisations. However, limited attention has been paid to investigating the drivers and barriers for social sustainability implementation from a developing country's multi-tier supplier perspective. The authors' research has addressed this knowledge gap. Practical implications: The evidence from the authors' study provides robust support for key assumptions of institutional theory and has useful implications for both managers and policy-makers. Originality/value: The authors' study contributes to the embryonic research stream of socially sustainable multi-tier supply chain management by connecting it to the application of institutional theory in a challenging institutional context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper questions if enough is done to tackle modern slavery within the ready-made garments (RMG) supply chains, through the lens of disclosures in improving work practices. Using evidence from Bangladesh, we find how there is a continuum of labour exploitation where the reality of forced labour is not a static one, but a continuum of experiences highlighting the complexity of the exploitative environment within the dominant neoliberal logic of transparency disclosures. It is imperative not only to make disclosures more robust through due diligence, but support capacity to address exploitation at the lower end of the supply chain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a complementary relationship between export incentives and domestic mobilization in improving workers' rights in global supply chains. Governments will repress labor in order to boost export competitiveness; resistance is then sporadic, ineffective, and dangerous. If governments anticipate economic rewards, they may reduce labor repression; but domestic activists must simultaneously mobilize for substantive reforms. I demonstrate this by exploiting within-case variation in Bangladesh and Vietnam, showing what happened before the introduction of export incentives; in their presence; and after they subsided. Vietnam liberalized labor laws in order to join the Trans-Pacific Partnership; and Bangladesh did likewise in order to salvage its reputation after Rana Plaza. Activists became less fearful once Bangladeshi politicians had announced reforms. They registered unions, demonstrated en masse, and secured a 77% increase in the minimum wage. In Vietnam, party reformists were crucial in persuading their conservative colleagues that TPP would help strengthen the regime's hold on power, while pushing for genuinely independent unions. This paper explicates the synergies between export incentives and domestic mobilization by connecting protagonists' motivations to macro-level reforms, via process-tracing and in-depth qualitative research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper focusses on workers' opinions in regard to welfare policies enacted under the Bangladesh Labour Act 2006. The study investigates two questions: Do labour welfare policies under labour law really matter for workers? If so, to what extent are such welfare policies practised in the global garment supply chain industry in Bangladesh? The Binary Logistic Regression technique has been used to assess the opinions of garment workers as to whether their level of satisfaction increases by workers' welfare facility interventions. The data were collected from compliant and export-oriented factories between July 2021 and August 2021 in three Upazilas-Savar Ashulia (Dhaka District) and Gazipur Sadar (Gazipur District) in Bangladesh. This study demonstrates that overtime facilities, medical facilities, safety measures, restroom facilities, lunchroom facilities, and childcare facilities can play a pivotal role in increasing the satisfaction level of the workers. Given the similar socio-economic and geographical backgrounds, this research can be applied to the garment manufacturing industries of other South Asian countries. It serves as a valuable tool for understanding workers' attitudes and beliefs about welfare provisions. By applying the findings of this study, one can better comprehend the needs of the workers in terms of various labor welfare motivational tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Despite considerable research and constant pressure from global media, exploitation has been a persistent problem in the Bangladeshi ready-made garment (RMG) supply chain. Yet, the root causes of how and why exploitation still persists remain unexplored. This paper explores the reasons underlying the existence of exploitation in the RMG supply chain of Bangladesh using the theoretical lens of responsible capitalism. Design/methodology/approach: Drawing on 98 interviews conducted at multiple levels of the RMG supply chain ecosystem, site visits, observation and archives, the authors unpack the underlying reasons for the existence of exploitation in Bangladeshi RMG supply chain. Findings: Using the theoretical lens of responsible capitalism, the findings suggest the existence of exploitation as a multifaceted yet nuanced phenomenon that is a result of complex power dynamics, interdependency and interconnectedness of players at multiple levels of the supply chain. The authors extend responsible capitalism theory by adding local context as a key determinant for the RMG supply chain to be responsive, effective and sustainable. The authors further argue the need for a new business model in global supply chain that calls for a fundamental shift of businesses towards responsible capitalism via transformative actions at multiple levels for balancing power in relationships, generate profit with ethical integrity and take responsibility of the consequences of their actions. Research limitations/implications: The authors use a contextualized case study of the RMG supply chain in Bangladesh using a critical realist approach. Although the use of contextualized case study has enabled better understanding of causal relationships between management practices and exploitation in the local context of Bangladesh, a quantitative approach to establish causality between different factors could be the focus of future research. The findings are specific to the context of Bangladeshi RMG supply chain and may have limited generalizability in other contexts. Further studies may build upon the findings to explore exploitation in RMG supply chain of other sectors and countries in the region and compare the findings to develop comprehensive understanding about the root causes of exploitation. Practical implications: The findings call for a fundamental shift of business towards responsible capitalism via transformative actions of multiple players across different levels of the supply chains with managerial implications. Originality/value: By drawing on empirical research, the authors provide a holistic perspective of responsible capitalism that is influenced by interactions and interconnectedness of players in multiple levels of the supply chain. The authors expand the responsible capitalism theory by adding local context as a key determinant that need to be considered for supply chains to be responsive, effective and sustainable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the factors affecting the intention to adopt blockchain technology (BT) in operations and supply chain and to explore the moderating role of sustainability-oriented supplier development on the effects studied. Design/methodology/approach: The authors developed a conceptual framework based on the integration of technology-organization-environment (TOE) framework and diffusion of innovation (DOI) theory along with several strands of the literature in supply chain management and information systems. Drawing on survey data from 412 supply firms, a novel model using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was empirically tested in the context of the apparel industry of Bangladesh – the world's second-largest apparel supplier nation. Findings: The findings supported the theoretical framework developed. In particular, the findings suggested that supplier firms' intention to adopt blockchain in supply chains is influenced by relative advantage, compatibility, perceived trust, top management considerations, absorptive capacity, information sharing and collaborative culture, and trading partners' influence. However, regulatory support is yet to play a significant role in blockchain adoption behaviour. The findings also suggest that supplier development for sustainability significantly moderates the relationship between the several drivers' (e.g. relative advantage, compatibility, top management considerations and trading partners' influence) effects on blockchain adoption. Practical implications: The findings could help in developing an enabling environment for introducing blockchain-based apparel operations and supply chains. Originality/value: The study contributes to and expands the embryonic research stream of sustainable supply chain management and BT. In particular, the paper provides neoteric evidence on how supplier development towards achieving sustainability moderates the effects of organizational, technological, and environmental drivers on the intention to adopt BT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides an assessment of the skills needed for entry-level logistics professionals in Bangladesh's apparel industry and suggests the critical skill areas that require improvement. Two studies were conducted to get the responses from supply chain and logistics professionals who have direct interactions with entry-level logistics professionals in the workplace. In study 1, an Importance-Expertise Matrix (IEM) analysis was conducted to provide an assessment of the relative importance and expertise of 40 skill items and investigate the skill gaps. The results reveal that 27.5% of the skill items have a noticeable gap between their importance and expertise level, indicating further improvement is needed. In Study 2, a qualitative approach was used, and the findings reinforced those of Study 1 and offered new and important information about skill and knowledge requirements amid the COVID-19 pandemic. This research offers implications for the apparel industry, academia, policymakers, and training agencies in Bangladesh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, the soft drink industry has been confronted with a rapidly changing business climate and increased competition, creating risks and uncertainties in its supply chain. Thus, immediate actions are required to handle these risks and uncertainties. The purpose of this paper is to identify and classify these risks in the soft drink supply chain and to develop a methodology comprising a fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (FAHP) and fuzzy comprehensive evaluation of these risks. FAHP was used to determine the weights of five major risk categories and 23 sub risks under these major categories. Afterward, a fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method (FCEM) was applied for the assessment of overall risk level, risk levels of the five major categories and relative risk levels of the 23 sub risks. This research has been conducted focusing on the soft drink industry of Bangladesh, a developing country with an emerging economy. In the existing literature, this work contributes by identifying and evaluating risks in the soft drink supply chain in the context of Bangladesh. The outcome of this study indicates that the overall risk level in the supply chain of the soft drink industry is between low and medium, and the risk level of the demand risks is the highest whereas the risk level of infrastructural risks is the lowest. It was also found that loss of reputation and brand image is the most significant sub risk, and natural disasters are the least significant sub risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The depletion in non-renewable energy sources and a fast-growing population in Bangladesh are exacerbating the already existing energy scarcity, highlighting the need for an efficient and robust renewable-energy supply chain. The primary goal of this study is to evaluate the most optimized renewable-energy supply chain based on natural resource availability and government policies of Bangladesh. In the present study, four renewable energy resources, including solar, biomass, wind and hydropower, are studied and nine subcriteria are defined under four primary criteria for each supply chain. Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) and VIseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR) are multicriteria decision-making approaches used in this study to compare and choose the best renewable-energy supply chain. The relative significance of four supply-chain criteria for primary renewable energy in this study, namely energy procurement, production, operations and maintenance costs, and social and environmental impact, is gathered via a survey. The results of this research, supported by a comprehensive sensitivity analysis, indicate that hydropower is the best renewable-energy supply chain, followed by wind as a compromise solution, biomass and solar. The study also demonstrates that no energy source can satisfy all supply-chain criteria alone; each resource is better for a specific criterion—solar is better for procurement, hydropower is significant for production and wind is remarkable for operations and social impact. Therefore, to maximize output, renewable energy sources must be integrated. From Bangladesh's perspective, for the first time, by using TOPSIS and VIKOR together, this study offers significant insights to establish an efficient and sustainable renewable-energy supply chain for practitioners, academics and policymakers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Population growth and unprecedented industrialization have contributed to a significant surge in global waste generation, underscoring the need for efficient waste management practices such as recycling, disassembling, restoration, and disposal. Closed-loop supply chain (CLSC) networks offer a solution for effective waste management by enabling the recycling, reassembly, and reuse of waste products. However, designing an optimal CLSC network presents challenges due to uncertainties associated with various parameters, including customer demand, sustainable development goals, and the complexity of network design optimization. This paper addresses these challenges by proposing a comprehensive CLSC network that optimizes environmental, economic, and social footprints through a multi-objective optimization approach. To account for parameter uncertainties, we employ scenario generation using a scenario-based stochastic programming procedure. To solve the proposed model, we transform the multi-objective formulation into a single-objective model using a weighted sum method considering a set of problem-specific heuristics. Furthermore, we leverage Lagrangian relaxation theory to formulate various problem reformulations, aimed at attaining an optimal lower bound for the CLSC problem. We complement this with a neighborhood-based algorithm that helps identify a feasible upper bound. By utilizing a sub-gradient framework, we iteratively reoptimize both the selected reformulation and the neighborhood-based algorithm, culminating in the achievement of an optimal solution. To exemplify the practical applicability of our research, we present a case study focusing on the light engineering industry in Bangladesh. Through rigorous analyses, we showcase that our proposed algorithm can deliver an optimal solution with an optimality gap of 0.06. By offering insights into the successful implementation of our CLSC network in a real-world context, we aim to provide valuable guidance for practitioners seeking to establish efficient and sustainable waste management systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The survival and growth of the ready-made garments (RMGs) sectors in Bangladesh depend on sustainable supply chain performance (SSCP). The purpose of this study is to analyse the effects of Internet of Things (IoT), supply chain collaboration and ethical sensitivity on SSCP. Also, supply chain dynamism was tested as a moderator. Design/methodology/approach: The framework of this study has been developed to enrich the understanding of technology usage in the supply chain. In developing the framework, previous studies in the supply chain context were considered. The model was tested by using data collected from 290 executives that were employed by different RMG companies in Bangladesh. This study used a 29-item structured questionnaire measured on a 6-point Likert scale to collect the data. Covariance-based structural equation modelling (SEM) was utilised to test the data. Findings: The results showed that there were statistically significant and positive relationships between IoT and supply chain collaboration, social performance, economic performance and environmental performance. Ethical sensitivity also influenced social and economic performance. Supply chain collaboration was found to be related to social, economic and environmental performance. However, no link was found between ethical sensitivity and environmental performance. The result also showed that supply chain dynamism acted as a moderator. Research limitations/implications: By considering theories and interpreting the results, this study provides some theoretical and practical implications which will enhance the SSCP. The results can also facilitate strategic planning by companies. Originality/value: This research has identified and analysed the effect of IoT on SSCP in the RMGs industry in Bangladesh where this industry serves as the main economic contributor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study contributes to the complex adaptive system theory by offering a valid hierarchical model to evaluate the theory's important features related to resilience. The garment industry in Bangladesh encountered disruption in the supply chain during the COVID-19 pandemic and the supply chain competencies played a vital role in overcoming the crisis. Limited studies are built on a solid theoretical foundation and considered supply chain competencies in assessing supply chain resilience. This study aims to develop a multi-criteria hierarchical measurement structure by considering the supply chain competencies to evaluate supply chain resilience. Fuzzy Delphi method and Fuzzy importance and performance analysis approach were applied for the study purpose. Findings reveal health and safety management, information management system, business intelligence, innovation capabilities management, technological innovation, and artificial intelligence as critical criteria, and data, information, and computing, technological innovation and adaptation are critical aspects that require improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fish are highly perishable food items that must be delivered to consumers quickly and efficiently. For commercially significant fish, it is required to ensure that they are provided to consumers at the proper time and place. The current study seeks to examine two economically important marine fish species’ value chains and marketing channels in the Chattogram region of Bangladesh. The species examined were sea bass (Lates calcarifer) and Bombay duck, (Harpodon numerous). In the study, primary, secondary, and retail markets— in their combined forms—were examined. Bombay duck and sea bass had 38% and 35% marketing margins, respectively. In the primary, secondary, and retail markets, the proportion of fishermen to sales price for Bombay duck and sea bass was 86%, 73%, and 62%, respectively. Sustainable and profitable fish marketing systems require government involvement in the marine species’ marketing channels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supply chain operation is more competitive in a dynamic business environment. Developing supply chain capability is, hence, important for gaining a competitive advantage and overall improved supply chain performance. The purpose of this study is to explore the potential of digital technologies to enhance supply chain performance and for firms to gain competitive advantage through improved supply chain capabilities. This study, through a survey questionnaire, gathered a total of 150 sample data from supply chain executives and managers in the ready-made garments (RMG) industry in Bangladesh. Findings of the study demonstrate that the digital supply chain is a significant contributor to improving the supply chain capabilities of RMG firms, and it subsequently leads to competitive advantage with a direct positive effect on firms' supply chain performance. The findings also indicate that digital technology has a direct effect on supply chain capability and supply chain performance in RMG firms. Based on these empirical findings, the study draws conclusion that digital technology integration in the supply chain would have a positive contribution to supply chain agility and flexibility, which would enable firms to effectively engage supply chain partners in dealing with unexpected situations in business operations. This study contributes to the current literature on digital supply chain capabilities, and it also provides insights for supply chain managers, policymakers, and practitioners in the fields of supply chains, logistics, and business performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Grounding on relational view and contingent resource-based views, the authors investigate the conditional indirect effect of Supply Chain Relational Practices (SCRPs) on supply chain performance (SCP) through proactive and reactive supply chain resilience (SCRE) capabilities at different levels of network complexity (NC). Design/methodology/approach: The authors adopt an "exploratory sequential mixed methods design" combining the qualitative and quantitative approaches under a positivist paradigm. The qualitative method is primarily used to contextualize and develop better measurements of the factors and variables using content analysis of the field studies. This then informs the quantitative phase which conducts a questionnaire survey among the apparel manufacturing firms in Bangladesh. The authors analyzed the quantitative data using Partial Least Square based Structural Equation Modelling. The authors also used PROCESS integrated regression analysis to test conditional indirect effects. Findings: Our research findings indicate that the indirect effect of SCRPs on SCP through proactive and reactive SCRE is positive and significant. It also finds that the conditional indirect effect is high at higher NC. Practical implications: The results have immense practical implications as it proposes to enhance relational practices in order to develop SCRE as a contingent resource to mitigate disruptions. This will also help the supply chain (SC) managers to work through smoothly at different levels of supply chain NC and improve SCP. Originality/value: Extant literature does not provide a deeper understanding of the impact of SCRPs on SCP, while SCRE and NC influence the link. Therefore, investigation of the conditional direct and indirect effect of SCRPs on SCP through proactive and reactive SCRE at different levels of NC is novel in SC management literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the operational characteristics of supply chain operations during disaster scenarios within Bangladesh and the profound impact of disruption risks due to poor operational effectiveness and structural dynamics within the supply chain network. Via the analysis of representative case studies and interviews with over 500 stakeholders, we identify and analyse the many structural and administrative complexities and subsequent disruption risks surrounding the utilisation of traditional supply chain infrastructures for emergency disaster scenarios. The findings illustrate the severe impact of poor demand estimation, inadequate selection of supply items, bureaucratic and extended chain of administration, poor central coordination among the participating organizations, absence of interoperability, poor infrastructure, and lack of information sharing. We propose a new emergency supply chain infrastructure to mitigate these threats offering contribution to the literature as well as support to disaster relief efforts within Bangladesh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Worker voice tools can support multinational companies to monitor social compliance within complex multi‐tier apparel supply chains. This study presents findings from an adaptation of a worker voice tool that contacted 11,555 workers in two informal 'Ready‐made Garment' (RMG) production hubs in Bangladesh. Results indicate a high level of child labour, particularly among boys, and present characteristics of exploitative working conditions. The authors also share challenges in facilitating support services for identified child labourers. This study informs multi‐sectoral strategies for business adherence to sustainable supply chain management, and government commitment to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8 for Decent Work and Economic Growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Supply chains' (SCs') sustainability practices and recovery strategies are attaining popularity in academia and industries to improve the resilience of the SCs and to manage large-scale disruptions. The global pandemic caused by the COVID-19 has raised the question of the sustainability of essential health-care products' SCs of Bangladesh. It is an essential avenue for making the life of people safe and secure. Despite its importance, most of the health-care SCs in Bangladesh are struggling to meet the demand of its nation due to capacity shortage, technological backwardness of the manufacturers, delivery capacity shortages and less advanced forecasting capabilities. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the key performance indicators (KPIs) of a sustainable recovery strategy in the context of health-care SCs considering the COVID-19 pandemic. Design/methodology/approach: This study used a dynamic method named graph theory and matrix approach to evaluate the most critical KPIs of a sustainable recovery strategy in the context of Bangladeshi health-care SCs. Findings: The result revealed that dynamic forecasting and planning with a smooth delivery and distribution support system, production capacity diversification and having alternative or multiple suppliers during extraordinary disruptions may aid in the sustainability of the health-care SCs in Bangladesh. Originality/value: This study is unique as no previous study has identified and examined the sustainable recovery strategy perspective KPIs considering the COVID-19 pandemic in the context of Bangladeshi health-care SCs. This study will also add value by guiding decision-makers of the health-care SCs of Bangladesh to adopt strategies toward the sustainability of SCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to investigate the supply chain challenges of public sector agriculture development projects in Bangladesh using the modified Delphi, Best Worst Method (BWM), and Interpretive Structural Modelling (ISM) methods. Based on these three widely acclaimed statistical techniques, the study identified, ranked, and identified interrelationships among the challenges. The study is unique not only in terms of research findings, but also in terms of methodology, as it is the first to use the three MCDM (Multicriteria Decision Making) tools to examine supply chain issues in public sector agriculture development projects in a developing country context. A literature review and two modified Delphi rounds with 15 industry experts' opinions were applied to identify and validate a list of 11 key supply chain challenges. To determine the priority of the challenges, a panel of eight industry experts was consulted, and their responses were analysed using the BWM. Then, another group of 10 experts was consulted using ISM to investigate the contextual relationships among the challenges, resulting in a five-layered Interpretive Structural Model (ISM) and MICMAC (cross-impact matrix multiplication applied to classification) analysis of the challenges. According to relative importance (global weights), "improper procurement planning (0.213), "delay in project initiation (0.177), "demand forecasting error (0.146)", "lack of contract monitoring mechanism (0.097)", and "lack of competent staff (0.095)" are the top five ranked key challenges that have a significant impact on the project supply chain. Regarding contextual relationships, the ISM model and ISM-MICMAC analysis identified the "political influence" challenge as the most influential, and also independent of the other challenges. The findings are critical for project managers in managing challenges because understanding both relative importance and contextual relationships are required to address the challenges holistically. Additionally, these findings will benefit policymakers, academics, and future researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines workplace bullying and the intensification of labour controls in the clothing supply chain. It appears that extreme forms of bullying are deployed to intensify labour controls, including locking workers in, frequent wage cuts, setting moveable targets and carrying out intense observations. The context of this study is surplus value-starved clothing factories in Bangladesh. Global supply chains' production regimes and the absence of state protections and trade unions enable factory managers to systematically deploy bullying tactics to achieve production targets. Drawing on Burawoy's works, this article advances the debate of how workplace bullying is impacted by wider structural conditions with managerial strategies of coercion in factories. It is argued here that when the state intervenes in the factory only to protect and preserve capitalists' interests, explicitly and implicitly, coercive strategies of control turn into extreme bullying on the shopfloor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Poultry production supply chains produce substantial wastes that are transformable into favorable environmental outcomes and profitable products. While overwhelming evidence supports this conclusion, scant literature is available on how such transformations are doable. Using systems dynamics, this study addresses this research gap in a national (Bangladesh) context. This study aims to contribute an integrated model for poultry supply chains that incorporate reverse flows of wastes using system dynamics (SD) engineering with empirical simulations. Design/methodology/approach: This study applies SD and simulations of alternative supply chains with versus without reverse loops that transform wastes into viable products in poultry production and downstream marketing operations. This research reports on an in-depth case study of systems thinking and use of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology systems dynamics software. Data for the study are longitudinal and come from written operation records and extensive, repeated, one-on-one Interview from a large poultry plant operation in Bangladesh. Findings: This study finds that several current poultry waste production problems are solvable through an integrated approach that generates viable new marketable products with substantial profitable opportunities that also contributes to reductions in industrial pollution. This study confirms that forward, backward and reverse supply chains need to be under one umbrella system to achieve economic, social and environmental benefits. Research limitations/implications: This study's SD model and outputs need additional applications in poultry supply chains in multiple countries. Applying the firm-level model that this study provides is a necessary but insufficient step toward empirical confirmation through replicating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 2013 Rana Plaza disaster highlighted the failure of labour regulation in global garment value chains. Eight years on, in the midst of the COVID‐19 pandemic, what changes have occurred in labour regulation and with what consequences for workers? Using the concept of a labour governance system (LGS), the authors show that, despite improvements in building and worker safety regulation, the garment LGS remains weak and wages, working hours and the treatment of workers show little improvement. The pandemic appears to have exacerbated these deficiencies but it may also offer an opportunity to strengthen the LGS along lines proposed in this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article integrates the global value chain literature with the micro organization literature on negative emotions to explore the drivers of fear and anger among supplier factory senior managers in apparel supply chains after Rana Plaza—a major industrial disaster—and their influence on decisions on CSR practices. Based on a comparative study around Dhaka and Lahore—two key apparel manufacturing hubs—this study elucidates that supplier factory senior managers experienced similar market tensions but different social tensions after the Rana Plaza incident. Crucially, similar market tensions helped create market fear and anger, but different social tensions led to social fear and anger in Bangladesh but not in Pakistan, therefore influencing the way supplier factory senior managers take decisions regarding CSR practices. By conceptualizing communal alignment and competitive CSR, this research finally advances the global value chain literature and contributes to the current conversations on negative emotions in organizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]