Being Ethical In Business
Saturday, November 28, 2009 by Sarah J Jones
As our societies are developing, and getting aware of new issues, which were never disclosed before, everyday through media, and internet, more and more retailers and brands are demanding ethical sourcing policy by their suppliers for the labours of the goods being sold under their umbrella.
Ethical sourcing policy makes sure that the products or goods are not made by forced, prison, or bonded labours. Child labour, i.e. younger than 16years, is also not acceptable by them. Sourcing policy also includes that proper wages are paid to the worker, which are according to the set industry standards of the country in which, the outsourcing must be done, and there should be fair wages according to the work they have done.
Ethical sourcing policy furthermore includes that the wages must be paid according to the laws of a country, and the industrial standards to guarantee that the labourers get wage of what they are working for. The suppliers cannot withhold any part of the wage on the basis of disciplinary grounds or some others, neither the working hours per week should exceed more than 48, but if they do, the workers must be compensated in the form of overtime dues.
It is also a part of ethical sourcing policy of some retailers that they bound their suppliers to avoid any sort of discrimination when hiring their workers. They are asked to hire workers without any sort of discrimination regarding their caste, religion, national origin, gender, or age. These suppliers must also take care of the working environment, and provide maximum protection to their workers at the workplace. Some even demand their suppliers to provide regular safety, and health training to their workers as well.
As people are getting aware, more, and more consumers are demanding of the ethically sourced products, and only buy those products, which satisfy them, for instance, body shop is one of such brands. This awareness is highest in countries like USA, UK, Germany, Switzerland, etc.
Consumer and social pressures are compelling the big brands to change their attitude towards the labourers; Nike is a big example in this regard. They have not changed their ethical sourcing policy, but have also made their sourcing parties to abide these rules.
There are different groups of consumers that have been forcing retailers to provide them ethically sourced goods, but now, even some governments, and trade unions have involved in the issue to make decent working conditions certain for the makers of these goods. Actually, during the recent past, some severe sort of media campaigns have highlighted the bad to worse working conditions in a large number of factories and farms, especially in the developing countries of the world.
Media showing the true conditions and images instigated the consumers to respond, and they now demand ethically sourced products. Due to this change in the demand, brands, and retailers have to make their ethical sourcing policy whether they like it or not.
Sarah J Jones is a fashion designer. Buy new and stylish Linen Trousers with good quality at half price now at her recommended website at http://www.saharalondon.com.
