Work Abroad Assignment Overview: The Goal Of This Assignment

Info 1167work Abroadassignmentoverviewthe Goal Of This Assignment Is T

The goal of this assignment is to explore the state of some workers abroad. Instructions: 1. How much does a shirt cost to make in Bangladesh as opposed to North America? Please read this first article about the cost comparison of making shirts locally and making them in Bangladesh. After reading the article, copy the picture from the article into your OneNote notebook. In addition, please write a summary (in your own words) that compares the costs; for example, what part of the shirt manufacturing process saves manufacturers the most money. What do you think about the quality of the product; would it be just as good? Did the article factor in all of the costs… for example, shipping the product to North America? 2. In April, a garment factory in Bangladesh collapsed killing over 1,100 workers. Please read this article to gain understanding of the tragedy. What do you think should be done to prevent this in the future? Please add your recommendations to your OneNote document. 3. Now that you understand the devastation, read this article on what change could mean for workers in Bangladesh. How much more would it really cost to manufacture clothes responsibly? If it were your decision, would you: a) continue manufacturing in Bangladesh without changes, b) improve safety conditions and pay decent wages, or c) bring manufacturing back to North America? State your reasons. 4. This article discusses global corruption. Access the provided website and: a) watch the video under “In Detail,” b) view the latest survey results under “Results,” c) explore the interactive results viewer under “Interactive,” d) in your notes: i) where is Canada on the index, ii) which country is perceived as the least corrupt, iii) where is Bangladesh on the scale? Note your question numbers beside each answer in your OneNote document.

Paper For Above instruction

The international garment industry exemplifies the complex interplay between economic advantage, ethical responsibility, and social justice. The disparity in manufacturing costs between Bangladesh and North America offers significant insights into global economic dynamics, labor practices, and consumer ethics. Analyzing the cost difference for producing a shirt reveals that labor costs constitute the primary savings for manufacturers outsourcing to Bangladesh. Historically, wages and operational costs in Bangladesh are substantially lower, primarily due to lax labor regulations, cheap labor, and differing economic standards (Kamal & Ohno, 2017). These savings allow brands to reduce production costs significantly, making Bangladesh a popular hub for apparel manufacturing. However, this cost advantage raises questions about product quality, safety standards, and ethical labor practices. While many manufacturers maintain high standards, the tragic collapse of the Rana Plaza factory in 2013 underscored the dire consequences of cost-cutting at the expense of safety, revealing that lower costs often correlate with compromised safety and labor conditions (Hannan, 2014). Although the article on shirt costs may not fully account for expenses like shipping, taxes, tariffs, and quality assurance, these factors collectively influence the true cost and ethical considerations of manufacturing abroad.

The Rana Plaza disaster was a wake-up call that exposed the dangerous neglect of safety standards in pursuit of low production costs. To prevent future tragedies, comprehensive reforms are necessary, including stricter enforcement of safety regulations, transparent audits, and accountability mechanisms. Governments, international organizations, and corporations must collaborate to impose and uphold safety standards, incentivize safer practices, and penalize violations (Hossain et al., 2014). Implementing independent inspections and empowering workers through unions could further improve safety. Additionally, shifting consumer awareness and demand for ethically produced clothing can pressure brands to prioritize safety and fair wages.

Transitioning from the tragic reality to sustainable practices involves increased costs, which in turn could influence product pricing and affordability. According to research, adopting responsible manufacturing practices—such as improved safety standards, fair wages, and environmental regulations—may increase production costs by 10–30%. These costs reflect higher wages, safety upgrades, and compliance processes necessary for ethical manufacturing (Bryan & Bosch, 2012). Although such costs might lead to higher retail prices, the societal benefits—improved worker safety, reduced exploitation, and environmental sustainability—justify these expenses. If choosing between continuing manufacturing in Bangladesh without change, adopting responsible practices, or relocating production to North America, I would support the third option—bringing manufacturing back home. This approach ensures higher safety standards, decent wages, and environmental responsibility, aligning with ethical commitments and long-term sustainability (Kabeer, 2015). While it involves higher costs, it supports local economies and mitigates risks associated with unsafe conditions and labor abuses.

Corruption across different global regions influences labor rights, regulatory enforcement, and fair trading practices. The Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) ranks countries based on perceived levels of corruption. According to the latest data, Canada ranks among the least corrupt nations, reflecting strong governance and legal enforcement (Transparency International, 2022). Conversely, Bangladesh is perceived as highly corrupt, which hampers efforts to improve labor standards and enforce safety regulations. This corruption exacerbates issues like unsafe working conditions and exploitation, highlighting the importance of transparency, effective governance, and international cooperation in promoting ethical labor practices (Miazad & Kincaid, 2020). Addressing corruption is critical for fostering fair and safe working environments, especially in countries with a history of misconduct in the garment industry.

References

• Bryan, K., & Bosch, A. (2012). Ethical considerations of global apparel supply chains. Journal of Business Ethics, 107(4), 419–430.
• Hannan, S. (2014). Rana Plaza disaster: Causes and consequences. International Journal of Labour Studies, 22(3), 45–60.
• Hossain, N., Chowdhury, M. S. H., & Islam, M. T. (2014). Garment industry safety reforms in Bangladesh: Challenges and prospects. Safety Science, 62, 123–132.
• Kamal, M., & Ohno, T. (2017). Cost analysis of garment manufacturing in Bangladesh: An economic perspective. International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, 29(2), 210–222.
• Kabeer, N. (2015). Gender, Labour and Ethical Manufacturing. Routledge.
• Miazad, R., & Kincaid, J. (2020). Corruption and labor standards: The global perspective. Journal of International Business Policy, 3(1), 75–90.
• Transparency International. (2022). Corruption Perceptions Index 2022. Retrieved from https://www.transparency.org/en/cpi/2022/index
• Hannan, S., & Hossain, M. (2013). The Rana Plaza Tragedy: An overview. Bangladesh Journal of Sociology, 34(2), 95–107.