http://blog.kld.com/supply-chain-management/global-supply-chain-conference-leaving-labor-out-of-the-equation/ SRI, ESG, antitrust, Climate change, Emerging Markets, Engagement, Foundations & Endowments, Globalization, Green Building, Investments, KLD, Law & Economics, Management, Microfinance, Mission-based Investing, Organic Food, Pensions, Private Equity, Product Safety, Proxy Voting, SEC, Social Enterprises, SRI/ESG Investing, Supply Chain Management, Sustainability Reporting, Transparency Thu, 4 Dec 2008 04:32:12 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.1.3 http://blog.kld.com/supply-chain-management/global-supply-chain-conference-leaving-labor-out-of-the-equation/#comment-4430 Dan Viederman Tue, 15 Jan 2008 20:57:40 +0000 http://blog.kld.com/supply-chain-management/global-supply-chain-conference-leaving-labor-out-of-the-equation/#comment-4430 Very important points, Liz - until companies in electronics (and elsewhere) themselves integrate social considerations into their business decisions (ie sourcing, procurement) then they won't rid themselves of the significant risk of labor problems in their contracted factories. The Conference agenda as you describe it illustrates the prevailing view that business happens first in the usual ways, and then companies control for social risk after the fact. That's not only ineffective, but inefficient and a waste of money. Interestingly, in Verite's experience the employees who are responsible for supply chain management in many companies very much want tools and knowledge by which to integrate social considerations into their business decisions. We've conducted training on this topic for people from operations, procurement, quality, supply chain, etc in electronics manufacturers that have opened new possibilities for them. Very important points, Liz - until companies in electronics (and elsewhere) themselves integrate social considerations into their business decisions (ie sourcing, procurement) then they won’t rid themselves of the significant risk of labor problems in their contracted factories. The Conference agenda as you describe it illustrates the prevailing view that business happens first in the usual ways, and then companies control for social risk after the fact. That’s not only ineffective, but inefficient and a waste of money.
Interestingly, in Verite’s experience the employees who are responsible for supply chain management in many companies very much want tools and knowledge by which to integrate social considerations into their business decisions. We’ve conducted training on this topic for people from operations, procurement, quality, supply chain, etc in electronics manufacturers that have opened new possibilities for them.

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