May 11, 2005 -- Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c17139) has announced the addition of
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Best Practices In The Apparel Industry - Management Briefing to their offering
Globalisation and pressures upon companies to lower prices, move fashion to market more quickly and strive for better quality often have negative effects upon workers, developing country
communities and the environment. Demands are now being made of companies to take greater social responsibility.
Many leading apparel companies in Europe and the US are paving the way for other industries, by adopting solid corporate social responsibility policies and programs as part of their
mission, rather than simply an afterthought or a reaction to critics. This is logical as the apparel industry is labour-intensive, highly competitive and under pressure with issues like
sweatshops. Despite these facts it is still lagging behind; out of ten European companies, only two are considered to be socially motivated investors and the US seems to be further
behind.
The report describes specific companies approaches to CSR and the concerns associated with these:
"We're working to be one step ahead to be sure we look at all contingencies, mostly around the fair labour standard," says Celina Adams, community investment manager for Timberland. "With
the advent of the internet everything has become so transparent, so you have to be looking at all production situations. Are they paid fairly given local economy and conditions Do they
have access to health care, education and reasonable housing"
It also outlines the aspects of successful CSR, key steps in implementation, CSR pitfalls, power relationships and ensuring accountability.
Topics covered in the report include:
- Overview
- Aspects of successful CSR
- Key implementation steps
- CSR pitfalls
- Power relationships
- Ensuring accountability
For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c17139
Laura Wood
Senior Manager
Research and Markets
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