Fire at Tazreen Fashions: fixing responsibility in a global supply chain

Abstract

Synopsis The case describes the evolution of Bangladesh's garment industry, the second largest garment exporter in the world, and its operational problems. The focus is on the fire that occurred on November 24, 2012 at Tazreen Fashions, a unit that is a part of a global supply chain for US and European retailers. The case explores the role of the government, western retailers, industry association and NGOs subsequent to the fire, and shows how increasing CSR expectations of corporations are making them take on responsibility for what should be that of the government or the garment unit. Research methodology Secondary sources; published materials. Relevant courses and levels International Business, Business and Society, Supply Chain Management, Doing Business in Emerging Markets. Theoretical basis Corporate social responsibility stakeholder theory market entry.