Modern slavery in supply chains: a systematic literature review

Chen, Han; Jia, Fu; Jiang, Mengqi; Chen, Lujie

doi:10.1080/13675567.2022.2118696

Cited by 16 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 82 publications

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“…Modern slavery is an unethical phenomenon that thrives in the global supply chains of multinational corporations (Financial Reporting Council [FRC], 2022; Han et al, 2022; Moussa, Allam, & Elmarzouky, 2022). It is considered an extreme form of labour exploitation (Caruana et al, 2021).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

An examination of UK companies' modern slavery disclosure practices: Does board gender diversity matter?

2023

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The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals persuade governments and businesses to fight modern slavery as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The UK government took the initiative by introducing the Modern Slavery Act in 2015. Despite this, little is known about how companies disclose information about their efforts to tackle modern slavery as required by the Act and the role of corporate governance as a determinant of modern slavery disclosure (MSD) levels. This study, therefore, investigates the extent to which companies engage in MSD and empirically examines the impact of board gender diversity (BGD) on MSD. Based on a content analysis of FTSE 100 companies' modern slavery statements during the 2016–2020 period, we find that MSD improved over time but is still relatively low. Our results show that companies pay less attention to the core practices of modern slavery, such as key performance indicators (KPIs), due diligence procedures, risk assessment and management, and training. This evidence suggests that companies tend to comply with the Act by focusing largely on symbolic structures rather than providing a comprehensive disclosure of their impacts on modern slavery practices to minimise regulatory risks and manage stakeholders' perceptions. We also find that boards with greater female representation have a positive and significant association with MSD. This finding is consistent with the gender socialisation theory in that women are more sensitive to communal values and ethics. Consequently, companies with a greater proportion of female directors are more transparent about their strategies and actions related to fighting modern slavery. Furthermore, a critical mass of at least four female directors is necessary before any positive impact on MSD can be observed. Our findings shed new light on this under‐researched area and the role of female directors in addressing modern slavery risk and can be of interest to companies, policymakers, and other stakeholders.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

An examination of UK companies' modern slavery disclosure practices: Does board gender diversity matter?

2023

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“…In addition, increasing market concentration (which has continued to play out during the COVID‐19 pandemic), there have also been trends toward omnichannel distribution, a boom in e‐commerce, and horizontal and vertical collaborations (e.g., joint ventures), as well as a shift from globalization to reshoring (van Hoek and Dobrzykowski 2021) and, more recently, to sure‐shoring. As such, we argue that it is not only companies but logistics ecosystems that have been transformed by technology transition (e.g., Mikl et al 2021) and an increased focus on environmental (Preuss and Fearne 2022) and social sustainability (Han et al 2022), for example, through platforms that create value through value co‐creation, co‐opetition, and dynamic configuration (Lin et al 2021) and that have also been shaped by political environments including competitive regulation and tax regimes.…”

Section: Current Global Trendsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Logistics and Supply Chain Superpowers and Skills for Survival in the “New Normal” Globalized World

Merkert,

Hoberg,

Mahadevan

2023

Transportation Journal

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Disruptions and rising costs in global supply chains due to COVID-19, climate change, and geopolitical tensions have led to supernormal profits, substantially more recognition of the importance of the sector and management functions associated with it, and a potential “golden age” for a career in logistics and supply chain management (LSCM). This article provides a general overview of the opportunities arising from global LSCM trends. Motivated by student views and comments, the authors have surveyed leading academics and senior practitioners globally across the key LSCM functions to obtain a comprehensive view on the future skills required to excel in a career in supply chain management. Their findings suggest a multitude of future-proof skills centred around technical (e.g., data analytics), soft (e.g., creativity) and cross-functional skills, which they then use to discuss implications for job profiles, graduates (i.e., learn to learn) and LSCM professionals. Given the variety and complexity of the identified skills and LSCM functions, in addition to a compounding LSCM talent shortage, the authors propose changes in LSCM offerings at universities and other tertiary education providers, with a focus on unlearning and life-long learning.

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“…Trafficking in human beings is a form of modern slavery that involves the recruitment, transportation, transfer, shelter, or acceptance of a person using the threat or use of violence, fraud, or abuse of power or vulnerable position for exploitation. Exploitation can be sexual exploitation, forced labor, or other forms of exploitation (Ara & Khan, 2022;Han et al, 2022;Kennedy, 2022;Recknor et al, 2022;Shah, 2021). The problem of human trafficking is not a new challenge facing countries worldwide.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Interpol's strategy in enhancing the regional network to combat human trafficking in West Africa

Sayuti,

Rofii,

Salya

2023

IJOMS

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The main problem in this study is the human trafficking practices in West Africa. Trafficking in human beings is a serious transnational crime involving blackmail, exploitation, and forced labor. Victims of human trafficking are often forced to work in modern slave industries, such as prostitution, agriculture, and manufacturing. They can also experience physical and psychological violence. Human trafficking has many root causes, including poverty, gender inequality, and conflict. Research methods use qualitative descriptive approaches with data analysis techniques that focus on understanding a problem, context, complexity, and subjectivity to more detail about the data source. Results: Interpol's role and initiatives have saved hundreds of victims of human trafficking in West Africa. The organization has been a valuable partner for governments and law enforcement agencies in the region in combating human trafficking crimes and rescuing victims. Interpol's efforts to rescue victims of human trafficking in West Africa are critical to combating this crime. By raising awareness, identifying victims, disrupting trafficking networks, and providing support to victims. Interpol recognizes the urgent need to facilitate interstate police cooperation in addressing transnational crime, regional security and resilience.

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Modern slavery in supply chains: a systematic literature review

Cited by 16 publications

References 82 publications

An examination of UK companies' modern slavery disclosure practices: Does board gender diversity matter?

An examination of UK companies' modern slavery disclosure practices: Does board gender diversity matter?

Logistics and Supply Chain Superpowers and Skills for Survival in the “New Normal” Globalized World

Interpol's strategy in enhancing the regional network to combat human trafficking in West Africa

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