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Multinational enterprises’ narratives about and approaches to modern slavery: an exploratory study

Multinational enterprises’ narratives about and approaches to modern slavery: an exploratory study Globalisation plays a major role in the existence and persistence of modern slavery, one of the most extreme examples of human rights abuses in recorded history. This paper aims to explore how multinational enterprises (MNEs), as central players in international business (IB) activities, relate to modern slavery. This paper focusses on human rights–minded MNEs and investigates their narratives and proactive approaches to tackling modern slavery.Design/methodology/approachThis study conducted 12 semi-structured interviews with managers and consultants with substantial knowledge on the topic. This study also gained insights from a business conference on modern slavery organised by a New Zealand ministry in 2021.FindingsThis study identified four MNE narratives and three approaches to responding to modern slavery.Practical implicationsThis paper discusses the challenges faced by MNEs when addressing modern slavery and outlines the relevant implications for MNE managers.Originality/valueThe scholarly conversation on modern slavery in the field of IB is in its infancy. This paper offers an account of how MNEs deal with modern slavery. In addition, while most studies take a critical angle and focus on problems, this study focusses on progressive and human rights–minded MNEs. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Review of International Business and Strategy Emerald Publishing

Multinational enterprises’ narratives about and approaches to modern slavery: an exploratory study

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Publisher
Emerald Publishing
Copyright
© Emerald Publishing Limited
ISSN
2059-6014
eISSN
2059-6014
DOI
10.1108/ribs-10-2021-0128
Publisher site
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Abstract

Globalisation plays a major role in the existence and persistence of modern slavery, one of the most extreme examples of human rights abuses in recorded history. This paper aims to explore how multinational enterprises (MNEs), as central players in international business (IB) activities, relate to modern slavery. This paper focusses on human rights–minded MNEs and investigates their narratives and proactive approaches to tackling modern slavery.Design/methodology/approachThis study conducted 12 semi-structured interviews with managers and consultants with substantial knowledge on the topic. This study also gained insights from a business conference on modern slavery organised by a New Zealand ministry in 2021.FindingsThis study identified four MNE narratives and three approaches to responding to modern slavery.Practical implicationsThis paper discusses the challenges faced by MNEs when addressing modern slavery and outlines the relevant implications for MNE managers.Originality/valueThe scholarly conversation on modern slavery in the field of IB is in its infancy. This paper offers an account of how MNEs deal with modern slavery. In addition, while most studies take a critical angle and focus on problems, this study focusses on progressive and human rights–minded MNEs.

Journal

Review of International Business and Strategy – Emerald Publishing

Published: Jan 31, 2023

Keywords: Multinational enterprises; Exploratory study; Modern slavery; International Business research

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