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The role of local stakeholders in transforming economic upgrading into social upgrading in Ethiopian textile and garment firms

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  • Telaye Fikadu MULUBIRAN
  • Asbjørn KARLSEN

Abstract

The authors examine the links between economic and social upgrading in a developing country with stringent industry policy and employment legislation, focusing on the strategies of local firms participating in global apparel production networks. Based on the 2015 case studies of five textile and garment firms in Ethiopia, they find that employment security and physical well‐being were driven mainly by government labour regulations negotiated by local employers, workers and trade unions rather than by global buyers and conclude that upgrading and downgrading can occur simultaneously within a firm.

Suggested Citation

  • Telaye Fikadu MULUBIRAN & Asbjørn KARLSEN, 2023. "The role of local stakeholders in transforming economic upgrading into social upgrading in Ethiopian textile and garment firms," International Labour Review, International Labour Organization, vol. 162(1), pages 45-67, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:intlab:v:162:y:2023:i:1:p:45-67
    DOI: 10.1111/ilr.12335
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Bowei Cai & Jiangmin Yang & Gengzhi Huang, 2023. "Spatiotemporal Dynamics in Economic, Social, and Environmental Upgrading in China: Coupling Coordination and Influencing Factors," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(1), pages 1-23, December.

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