Social Sustainability Case Study On Jonathan Stein's Against Child Labour

Question

Task:You have to prepare a short report and presentation on the current situation in social sustainability regulation and practice relating to companies from developed countries that outsource manufacturing to factories in developing countries.

Case study: Third-world families at work: Child labour or child care?

Answer

Introduction
The term social sustainability case study refers to the capacity of the society to develop processes and structures, which not only helps in meeting the requirements of its present members but also gives support to the future generation, which further helps in developing and maintaining a healthy community. This social sustainability case study highlights the sustainability approaches implemented by Timothy & Thomas, Jonathan Stein for the well-being of children that are working for the company’s contract in Lahore. The major challenges faced by the third world countries due to child labour will be explored in a detailed manner.

Evaluation of the present scenario, in context of Social Sustainability practice and regulations
As per the social sustainability case study, it is observed that contractors working in Lahore for the manufacturing units were making use of girls under the age of to work on the machines of the factory. This was contradictory to the business guidelines and ethics of Timothy and Thomas. Stein expressed this issue to the contractor and gain knowledge that the contractor was hiring child labour as many families were dependent on the earning of these children (Denny, 2018). In Pakistan half of the young girls did not go to school and worked to earn living for their families. In developing countries manufactures are recruiting skilled individuals in order to develop their nation, Pakistan is utilizing child labour in order to economise the wages (The Independent, 2018). Stein is determined to adopt sustainable approaches in to resolve the problems of third world countries.

Moral Dilemma: Stein is inclined towards enhancing the ethical value of the corporation to increase its productivity. As per the regulations of the firm child labour is strictly prohibited. This social sustainability case study observes that in third world countries eliminating child labour will gradually increase the financial crisis and poverty of families. In this scenario the moral dilemma for Stein is he cannot ignore the ethics and value aspects of his company, while at the same time he is unable to eradicate child labour from the company (Harvard Business Review, 2018). He is inclined to put welfare of the children as priority however he needs to ensure that the supply cost of the firm is not disturbed while he is focusing on the welfare of the children.

Brand Image: Brand popularity is important for Timothy and Thomas as it will allow the company in gaining competitive edge (the Guardian, 2018). Brand popularity plays a significant role in influencing the purchasing behaviour of the consumer. The company is required to maintain ethical; code of practice sand carry out its operating in a responsible manner.

Application of CRAP Test

Conclusion
Stein should try to formulate effective program that will promote education to the children working in the manufacturing unit. It is important that he should focus on the performance and revenue generation of his firm while assisting the needs of the children. This social sustainability case study determines that child labour are quiet common in third world countries and abolishing child labour is difficult. Therefore, constructing a safe and educative environment for the children will help in improving the ethical balance of the company.

Recommendations
The company should try to come up with a strategy that will assist them in educating the children in an effective manner. The children should be given adequate wages and taught constructive skills so that they are able to learn new skills. This social sustainability case study will explore the development of local community so that it will be easier to understand about the cultures prevailing in third world countries.

Reference list
the Guardian. (2018). Banning child labour imposes naive western ideals on complex problems. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2015/aug/26/ban-child-labour-developing-countries-imposes-naive-western-ideals-complex-problems [Accessed 16 Aug. 2018].

Harrison, D. (2018). It's official: child labour is a good thing. Telegraph.co.uk. Available at: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/canada/1482368/Its-official-child-labour-is-a-good-thing.html [Accessed 16 Aug. 2018].

Hickel, J. (2018). Aid in reverse: how poor countries develop rich countries | Jason Hickel. the Guardian. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/2017/jan/14/aid-in-reverse-how-poor-countries-develop-rich-countries [Accessed 16 Aug. 2018].

Harvard Business Review. (2018). Third-World Families at Work: Child Labor or Child Care?. Available at: https://hbr.org/1993/01/third-world-families-at-work-child-labor-or-child-care [Accessed 16 Aug. 2018].

The Independent.(2018). WHEN THEY WERE VERY YOUNG. Available at: https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/when-they-were-very-young-1307093.html [Accessed 16 Aug. 2018].

Appendix