Product details

The case covers in detail the various initiatives taken by Reebok over the years to prevent human rights violations in its footwear manufacturing operations. The case also covers the various human rights violations that were reported to have occurred in the footwear manufacturing facilities of Reebok in China. Reebok''s efforts to address human rights and industrial relations issues in Chinese factories are also examined. The case is designed to help students critically analyse the ethical, social and moral issues raised by the maltreatment of employees. The case seeks to help students understand: (1) the need for multinational companies (MNCs) to address human rights and industrial relations issues when operating in third world countries; (2) the nature of problems that workers in third world countries face and how local labour laws and international human rights norms are violated; (3) the difficulties MNCs face when trying to enforce labour laws, especially when operating through sub-contractors; (4) the various approaches adopted by MNCs to handle human rights issues and industrial relations ethically; and (5) the way in which companies can strike a balance between doing business and addressing social concerns. The case is intended for MBA/PGDBM level students as part of the ethics and social responsibility curriculum.