How the delocalization follow a correct sustainable supply chain approach? Lessons from Rana Plaza disaster in Bangladesh

How the delocalization follow a correct sustainable supply chain approach? Lessons from Rana Plaza disaster in Bangladesh.

The aim of this paper is to analyze the state of the art of CSR in the process of delocalization by multinationals in the textile sector. In particular, the study focuses on the strategies employed in the supply chain as a result of the Rana Plaza disaster in Bangladesh. The first aim of the research is to define the causes that saw multinationals involved in such a disaster. The second objective of the paper is to identify the CSR strategies that have been implemented by textile sector in Bangladesh to get over the impact of the negatives causes, underlined in the first part of the paper. The research methods to address the objectives are: a) a descriptive analysis of the Rana Plaza disaster to identify the critical aspects; b) documental analysis of the main theories of CSR that could have prevented this disaster; c) critical analysis of the reactions and strategic actions adopted after the disaster by the institutions, associations of workers and local unions, non-governmental organizations, as well as the companies responsible for the incident. The primary findings show the negative externalities of social and moral dimension behind the delocalization phenomenon that caused the disaster of Rana Plaza. It is due among others to the lack of control in the workplace, lack of control of the codes of conduct, disparity of the codes of ethics and lack of adequate legislation for workers’ rights in Bangladesh.