Mapping research topics and theories in the literature on private regulation for sustainability in global value chains

Abstract

The globalization of production and trade has contributed to the rise to complex global value chains where the reach of state regulation is limited. Private regulation, developed and administered by companies, industry associations and non-governmental organizations, has emerged to safeguard economic, environmental and social sustainability in producer countries and along the value chain. The academic literature on private regulation in global value chains has grown over the last decade, but few major reviews of the research to date have been undertaken. This paper examines peer-reviewed research in the relevant disciplines published in academic journals up to December 2011. The goal is to identify and classify the topics and theories in the literature. We conclude that the number of articles that examine private regulation explicitly in a value chain context is relatively small when considering the importance and growth of global value chains in the world’s economy. Agriculture, forestry and apparel manufacturing are the most often studied sectors of the economy. Other sectors, such as the production of electronics, with complex global value chains and often problematic environmental and social conditions are understudied.

Forest Resources Management, Department of

Forestry, Faculty of

Reviewed

Faculty

Graduate