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Fragmented or cohesive transnational private regulation of sustainability standards? A comparative study

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  • Luc Fransen
  • Thomas Conzelmann

Abstract

Literature on private regulation recognizes the proliferation of competing regulatory organizations and approaches in various industries. Studies analyzing why fragmentation arises so far focus on single‐case studies, the exploration of single variables, or variation in types of fragmentation. This article analyzes why in certain industries and for certain issues regulatory organizations proliferate, while in others a single regulatory organization emerges which covers the entire industry. Through a comparative case study of private regulation of sustainability standards in the forestry, clothing, IT‐electronics, and chemicals industries, we show how a combination of low industrial concentration, civil society involvement in governance, and stringent standards of a first‐moving regulator offer the strongest explanation for a fragmented private regulatory field, while high industrial concentration, business‐driven governance, and lenient standards of a first‐moving regulator lead to cohesive regulation.

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  • Luc Fransen & Thomas Conzelmann, 2015. "Fragmented or cohesive transnational private regulation of sustainability standards? A comparative study," Regulation & Governance, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 9(3), pages 259-275, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:reggov:v:9:y:2015:i:3:p:259-275
    DOI: 10.1111/rego.12055
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Luc Fransen & Brian Burgoon, 2012. "A market for worker rights: Explaining business support for international private labour regulation," Review of International Political Economy, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 19(2), pages 236-266.
    2. Büthe Tim, 2010. "Private Regulation in the Global Economy: Guest Editor's Note," Business and Politics, De Gruyter, vol. 12(3), pages 1-2, October.
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    5. Büthe Tim, 2010. "Private Regulation in the Global Economy: A (P)Review," Business and Politics, De Gruyter, vol. 12(3), pages 1-40, October.
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    7. Cashore, Benjamin & van Kooten, G. Cornelis & Vertinsky, Ilan & Auld, Graeme & Affolderbach, Julia, 2005. "Private or self-regulation? A comparative study of forest certification choices in Canada, the United States and Germany," Forest Policy and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 7(1), pages 53-69, January.
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    Cited by:

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