Workers’ Responses to CSR Decoupling in Garment Supply Chains: A Hirschmanian Perspective
Summary
This paper uses Hirschman’s exit–voice–loyalty (EVL) model, extended to include neglect and cynicism (EVLNC), to explain how garment factory workers in Vietnam respond to CSR policy–practice gaps (decoupling). Based on 40 qualitative interviews (25 workers, 15 stakeholders) and supplementary data, the authors map a spectrum of worker responses — silent exit, loyalty, cynicism, neglect, voice, and vocal exit — and identify seven drivers shaping these choices: need for income, endurance limits, low-hanging fruit, prevailing local norms, labour market competitiveness, worker awareness, and perceived workplace solidarity.
The study documents common on-the-ground decoupling practices (excessive overtime, double bookkeeping, unpaid social security, ineffective grievance channels, coaching for audits, poor PPE provision, underage labour) and shows that workers sometimes tolerate, even benefit from, these practices. Collective dynamics (solidarity, shared awareness, external support) are crucial for shifting workers from acceptance to resistance. The paper proposes a dynamic, individual–collective model of worker responses and offers practical policy recommendations: amplify and protect worker voice, embed worker-centred monitoring (including ex-worker monitors), reform buyer purchasing practices to share value, and strengthen state enforcement and access to legal remedies.
Key Points
- The EVLNC framework (Exit, Voice, Loyalty, Neglect, Cynicism) explains varied worker responses to CSR decoupling on the factory floor.
- Main drivers: urgent need for income; endurance limits; small immediate gains (“low-hanging fruit”); local norms; labour-market opportunities; awareness; and perceived workplace solidarity.
- Common decoupling practices observed: excessive overtime, double bookkeeping, unpaid social security contributions, ineffective grievance mechanisms, and temporary fixes installed for audits.
- Workers can both reinforce and resist decoupling — e.g., accepting double bookkeeping when it raises take-home pay, or organising wildcat and in-house strikes when solidarity and awareness grow.
- Collective solidarity and external support (NGOs, MSIs, buyer channels) are pivotal for effective voice; individual voice is often too risky due to blacklisting and managerial sanctions.
- Policy implications: strengthen worker-centred grievance/monitoring, partner with trusted local NGOs, reform buyer purchasing practices to enable living wages, and boost state enforcement and legal access.
Context and Relevance
The Vietnam garment sector — with restricted freedom of association, widespread auditing, and frequent wildcat strikes — is a revealing case for CSR decoupling studies. Findings are especially relevant to brands, compliance teams, NGOs and policymakers working on labour governance in labour‑intensive exporting countries where independent unions are limited. The study bridges SSCM debates and industrial relations by centring workers’ lived experiences and showing why top-down, audit‑driven approaches often fail.
Why should I read this?
Quick take: this paper tells you why audits and glossy CSR policies don’t fix shop‑floor problems — and why workers sometimes help keep the status quo (because they need the money). If you care about actually improving conditions or designing better buyer practices, this lays out the real levers: worker awareness, solidarity and safer voice channels. Short, sharp and full of practical insight.
Author style
Punchy, evidence-driven and policy-minded — the authors make a strong case that worker agency matters. If you want actionable insight (not just critique), their recommendations on amplifying worker voice and rethinking buyer behaviour are worth following closely.
Source
Source: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jscm.70001?af=R