Corporate social responsibility in luxury manufacturer supply chains

Abstract

Purpose – Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has become a central part of the sourcing and supply activity in the textile industry. The role of supply chain management is fundamental to CSR implementation as it has become a key customer requirement and business driver. This research seeks to investigate how the luxury sector is addressing these demands through a single in-depth exploratory study of a Scottish based luxury own-brand and branded cashmere garment manufacturer. Design/methodology/approach – The paper uses an exploratory approach through a single qualitative case study. Findings – Corporate social responsibility has become an increasingly important part of the luxury garment producer ' s operation. The luxury brands are now placing additional demands on the cashmere producer to demonstrate compliance with CSR standards which in turn requires the company to adjust its operating procedure and management processes. The current levels of transparency and auditability of the CSR management process throughout the layers of the business were less sophisticated than currently found in many mid-market garment manufacturers and retailers. Research limitations/implications – The findings of the paper are based on a single qualitative exploratory study and therefore analytic generalisations are possible from interpreting the results. Practical implications – The contribution of the paper is a greater understanding of CSR management in the work and information flows for a specialised international luxury manufacturing business throughout its geographically extended supply chain. Originality/value – The contribution of the paper is a greater understanding of CSR management in the work and information flows for a specialised international luxury manufacturing business throughout its geographically extended supply chain.