Introduction
In the business world, globalization involves companies expanding globally to outsource new talents, a strategy that offers employees diverse options to explore their career goals. Being an essential concept, globalization aids in improving wages, thus helping employees indulge in health competition that helps them negotiate for better compensation for services offered. Thus, globalization has added to the arena collectively and made it less complicated for nations to talk and alternate with one another. However, it has added several social issues, including exploiting employees in growing countries through multinational organizations. Exploiting employees in growing nations through multinational organizations is an enormous difficulty within the current international economy (Shamim et al., 2020). The garment enterprise, in particular, has come under severe scrutiny for the situations in which employees are employed. Workers in growing nations are frequently subjected to low wages, lengthy running hours, and unsafe running conditions, all in the pursuit of income through multinational organizations. The exploitation of employees in growing nations through international organizations within the garment enterprise is a cultural and social problem that calls for interdisciplinary evaluation and moral answers to ensure employees are handled fairly and with dignity.
The garment enterprise has a long record of employee exploitation, with employees in growing nations frequently running lengthy hours for low pay and in bad situations. This exploitation is accepted in countries like Bangladesh, Cambodia, and Vietnam, where younger ladies are prone to exploitation because they lose bargaining energy. Social justice may be used to research this trouble and advice on a simple and identical remedy for all employees, irrespective of where they may be from. This trouble has been exacerbated by globalization, with multinational organizations transferring their manufacturing centres to nations with lower labour costs to boost their profits. It has caused a scenario wherein employees in growing countries are frequently paid much less than a living wage, work in risky situations, and have few or no rights.
One population that is enormously affected by this trouble is the employees themselves. In nations like Bangladesh, Cambodia, and Vietnam, where the garment enterprise is an enormous employer, employees are frequently younger ladies who have migrated from rural regions to city facilities for painting. These employees are prone to exploitation because they lack bargaining energy and are ignorant of their rights. Society plays an enormous role in the difficulty of employee exploitation within the garment enterprise. Consumers in evolved nations must be aware of the situations under which their garb is made and the human price of speedy fashion. Multinational organizations can exploit felony loopholes and lax enforcement in growing nations to preserve income margins. Governments in those nations are frequently complicit in this exploitation through corruption or by failing to enforce hard-working laws.
The lens of social justice may be applied to examine this trouble. Social justice involves selling equity and equality in society and ensuring marginalized companies can access the same possibilities. Also, the social justice lens can be termed justice rooted in the notion that each person should be offered equal rights, treatment, and opportunities. Failure to follow such a concept results in social injustice, which is when actions are used that infringe upon the group’ right, treat them unfairly or marginalize their opportunities. In the context of the garment enterprise, the social justice lens may be used to study the exploitation of employees and the power imbalances among multinational organizations and growing nations. The difficulty of employees’ exploitation within the garment enterprise is enormous social trouble due to globalization. Exploiting vulnerable employees in growing nations through multinational organizations shows how globalization will have poor social impacts.
Analyzing employee exploitation through the perspective of social justice demonstrates its impact on numerous institutions. Multinational firms, labour unions, regulatory bodies, and human rights organizations are all severely impacted in the setting of the garment industry. International firms profit from cheap labour in developing countries, frequently leading to worker exploitation. These employees are exploited because they lack aspects that increase their bargaining power. These include but are not limited to; unique qualifications and skills, well-organized trade unions, union density, profitable firms and others. Therefore labour unions and human rights groups should aim to safeguard these disadvantaged individuals’ rights by advocating for equitable compensation and better working conditions. Regulatory authorities, including government agencies and worldwide labour companies, play an essential role in implementing labour laws and guaranteeing that workers are not exploited. Examining the issue through the lens of social justice allows people to comprehend better the complicated relationships and impacts on various institutions and the relevance of their joint efforts in resolving labour exploitation.
Additionally, employee exploitation in the garment industry has shaped modern social behaviours, particularly in the context of globalization and the desire for rapid fashion. The passion for low-cost apparel and production has pushed global firms to seek cheaper labour in underdeveloped countries. As a result, bad working conditions and exploitation have become accepted as part of the worldwide supply chain. Influenced by affordability and fashion trends, consumers frequently ignore their shopping decisions’ negative social ramifications. As a result, the problem has reinforced a culture that prioritizes affordability and accessibility over moral considerations (Schnellbächer et al.,2019). Recognizing how globalization and consumers’ purchasing habits have led to these social practices’ persistence and moving toward more sustainable and ethical solutions is critical.
In addition, one specific aspect of employee exploitation that could benefit from change is strengthening labour laws and rules. Developing nations lack strong labour laws safeguarding workers’ rights, leaving them vulnerable and vulnerable to abuse. Significant progress can be made in eliminating employee exploitation by enacting and enforcing laws that provide fair salaries, safe working conditions, and the protection of workers’ rights. Furthermore, encouraging ethical sourcing methods and increased supply chain transparency can help effect positive change. Corporations should be encouraged to follow ethical company standards, such as paying fair wages, working acceptable hours, and providing an appropriate working atmosphere.
Moreover, one significant obstacle to the public’s involvement with the problem of employee exploitation is an absence of consumer comprehension and awareness. Many people need to be aware of the situations under which their garments are manufactured and the exploitation in the worldwide garment business. This lack of understanding could be due to a lack of information, transparency in the supply chain, or a general lack of interest or concern about labour rights (Schnellbächer et al.,2019). Overcoming this barrier will necessitate comprehensive education and awareness initiatives to educate customers on the importance of ethical and ecological fashion choices. Individuals can make more informed judgments and actively support efforts that promote worker fairness by raising knowledge, offering transparency, and encouraging consumer action.
Additionally, biases, attitudes, assumptions, and values play essential roles in moulding perspectives and affecting behaviours in employee exploitation. Biases can evolve due to social or cultural standards devaluing employees in developing nations or harming their rights and well-being (Schnellbächer et al.,2019). Maximizing profits and cost-cutting principles and presumptions can prioritize company objectives over employee fairness. Furthermore, firmly embedded attitudes within consumer cultures prioritizing price and the newest fashion trends can eclipse concerns about ethical production. Addressing these prejudices, attitudes, assumptions, and values is critical to developing a collective mindset that upholds every employee’s dignity and well-being, irrespective of their residence.
A variety of factors influence societal involvement in the issue of labour exploitation. One key influence is the widespread belief among developing-country labourers that any employment, no matter how exploitative, is preferable to none (Standing, 2011). The assumption is frequently used to justify exploitative acts, which leads to their reinforcement. Another common idea influencing engagement is the belief that open, free markets are the primary drivers of prosperity. Employee exploitation is frequently minimized or completely ignored due to this assumption. These factors result from deeply embedded prejudices and beliefs, making them difficult to eradicate (Huws, 2014).
In addition, addressing globalization concerns, including workforce exploitation, has advantages and disadvantages. On the one hand, resolving these concerns can result in considerable benefits, such as promoting social justice, enhancing working conditions, and strengthening vulnerable groups. People can help create a more equitable global labour market by lobbying for fair treatment and remuneration. Furthermore, resolving employee exploitation can boost multinational firms’ brand and credibility, enhancing stakeholder relationships and customer trust (Schnellbächer et al.,2019). On the other side, determining these concerns is complicated by resistance from profit-driven international companies, the complexities inherent in worldwide supply chains, and the necessity for worldwide collaboration and coordination to uphold ethical standards efficiently.
Additionally, Individuals can deal with the issue of employee exploitation by staying informed about its causes, repercussions, and potential remedies to exercise critical analysis in reaching personal and professional goals (Schnellbächer et al.,2019). Supporting ethical fashion firms that stress fair labour standards and sustainability is one way to make a difference in everyday life. Online and offline Advocacy and awareness initiatives can help increase awareness and educate others about the importance of ethical fashion choices (Schnellbächer et al.,2019). Pursuing professions or research possibilities in labour rights and fair trade can help to address these concerns on a systemic level. Collaboration with groups dedicated to fair trade and labour rights is another way to create change and ensure the well-being of employees worldwide.
Employee exploitation is a term that describes how employees are treated unethically or unfairly by their employers, frequently leading to the exploitation of their labour, rights, and well-being. It entails several situations and activities that exploit workers. To begin with, low wages are a massive sign of employee exploitation. When workers are paid wages that are not enough to cover their necessities, financial instability and a cycle of poverty can result, leading to exploitation (Jung & Hwang, 2020). Working for more hours than one is compensated for is also a big part of employee exploitation. Employers may take advantage of workers by making them work excessive hours without receiving fair pay while disobeying labour rules or regulations.
Lack of benefits is also employee exploitation. Because it deprives workers of necessary safeguards and entitlements that support their general well-being and quality of life, the absence of benefits for employees can be viewed as a kind of employee exploitation. Employees’ physical, mental, and financial security depends on benefits, including healthcare, paid time off, retirement programs, and workplace safety precautions. When companies fail to offer these benefits or purposefully withhold them, employees may be exploited in several ways, including health hazards and financial insecurity (Jung & Hwang, 2020). Lack of benefits could also lead to demotivation, and the employees may not find purpose or enjoy their job. When the employees are demotivated, they do not work well, which may lead to reduced productivity.
An all-encompassing strategy incorporating efficient labour laws and regulations, enforcement procedures, worker empowerment, and corporate responsibility is needed to address employee exploitation (Jung & Hwang, 2020). To build a more equal and just workplace, it is essential to guarantee fair salaries, safe working conditions, the protection of worker rights, and access to benefits.
Employee exploitation is a significant social issue that arises in the context of globalization, particularly in developing countries where multinational organizations operate.
Numerous sources shed light on the exploitation of workers in the garment industry within developing countries. For example, a report by Uddin et al. (2023) provides data and analysis on wage disparities and labour conditions worldwide, including in the garment sector. The report offers statistical evidence of the low wages paid to workers in developing nations and highlights the challenges they face. Another study by Alamgir and Banerjee (2019) analyzed the systemic factors contributing to employee exploitation and discussed the role of multinational corporations. These authors provide in-depth insights into the dynamics of worker exploitation and offer critical perspectives on the impact of globalization.
The perspective and focus of the analysis would shift if a different general education lens were applied to analyze the topic of employee exploitation in the context of globalization, such as historical analysis or ethical reasoning. For example, a historical analysis lens would explore the historical roots of employee exploitation and examine how it has evolved. On the other hand, ethical reasoning would delve into the moral implications of multinational organizations exploiting workers and evaluate the ethical responsibilities of these organizations.
Analyzing globalization can significantly impact interactions with individuals from different viewpoints, cultures, or perspectives. Individuals can engage in informed conversations considering the world’s interconnectedness by developing a greater awareness of globalization’s effects. For instance, understanding how multinational organizations exploit workers in developing countries can foster empathy and a desire to address the issue collaboratively.
Critically analyzing globalization has broadened my understanding of various cultural perspectives as a student. I have learned about the impacts of globalization on different communities and their socio-economic dynamics through research and discussions. The knowledge has helped me approach conversations with individuals from diverse backgrounds more sensitively. For example, when discussing global issues or policies, I now consider the potential effects on different regions and cultures, allowing for a more inclusive and respectful exchange of ideas.
Conclusion
Globalization is an essential concept that has enabled multinational organizations to expand globally by outsourcing new talent from diverse countries. It has helped employees use it to choose from multiple options, promoting healthy competition that aids them in fighting for equal wages, rights, and compensation for their work. However, being an essential concept within the business world, globalization has resulted in social issues such as employee exploitation, which is evident in most multinational organizations. As a social issue, employee exploitation has been noted in the garment industry, where the employee population is negatively affected. The exploitation of employees in growing nations through international organizations within the garment enterprise is a cultural and social problem that calls for interdisciplinary evaluation and moral answers to ensure employees are handled fairly and with dignity. Through the analysis and evaluation of multiple concepts, it was found that employee exploitation is both a cultural and social issue. Continuous exploitation of employees in nations such as Bangladesh, Vietnam and others has been an acceptable culture. Employees in these nations have been paid less and subjected to long working hours and bad working environments. That culture has caused many multinational organizations to transfer manufacturing centres to areas with low labour costs to boost their profits. From a social point of view, these workers are subjected to exploitation since they lack bargaining power and hence become ignorant of their rights. As a result, multination exploits such employees to preserve their income margin. The employees need help since the bodies, such as the government, in which they can report the case, have been complicated by corruption or even failing to enact strong laws for their protection. The social justice lens is the only tool and interdisciplinary that can be used to understand and find a solution to employee exploitation as a social issue. Through the social justice lens, employers and employees understand that employees should get justice rooted in the concept that everyone should be offered equal rights, opportunities, and treatment. Moreso, the garment industry should use the social justice lens to gain insight into employee exploitation and power imbalance in most multinational organizations due to globalization. From the project, it has been evident that employee exploitation holds both negative and positive results, though the adverse results have been severe. For example, employee exploitation has shaped modern social behaviours where the need for low-cost clothes has caused global companies to look for cheaper labour from underdeveloped countries leading to bad working environments and increased exploitation. However, employee exploitation has led to; strengthening labour laws and regulations.
To help eliminate the issue of employee exploitation due to globalization, the public need to be involved. However, lack of information and awareness has been a key obstacle hindering public involvement in solving the issue. Also, the issue has been fastened by biases, attitudes and assumptions. Nothing can be solved. Thus, employee exploitation due to globalization can be solved by promoting social justice m, enhancing working conditions, and strengthening vulnerable groups. Conversely, an employee has a role to play towards eliminating the issue where they can fight for an equitable global labour market via lobbying for remuneration and fair treatment. Employees and multinational organizations can benefit from employee exploitation, where the multinational where it boosts multinational firm’s credibility and brand, customer trust and stakeholder relationship is enhanced.
References
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Huws, U. (2014). Labour in the global digital economy: The libertarian comes of age. NYU Press.
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Schnellbächer, B., Heidenreich, S., & Wald, A. (2019). Antecedents and effects of individual ambidexterity–A cross-level investigation of exploration and exploitation activities at the employee level. European Management Journal, 37(4), 442-454.
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Standing, G. (2011). The precariat: The new dangerous class (p. 208). Bloomsbury Academic
Uddin, S., Ahmed, M. S., & Shahadat, K. (2023). Supply chain accountability, COVID-19, and violations of workers’ rights in the global clothing supply chain. Supply Chain Management: An International Journal.
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