The Impact of International Labour Standards Enforcement Initiatives: The Case of the Cambodian Garment Industry

Inadequate working conditions are frequently reported within clothing manufacturing, particularly in the least developed countries where loose legislative enforcement contributes to lower labour costs that are favoured by retail buyers. Global efforts, including from the International Labour Organisation (ILO), seek to develop better working practices however the effectiveness of such efforts are not fully understood. The research proposed focuses on Cambodia, assessing the effectiveness of two initiatives led by the ILO, namely, Better Factories Cambodia and Cambodia Decent Work Country Programme. The lens of Institutional Theory will be used to understand the dimensions of Isomorphism and Decoupling that influence stakeholder responses to pressure to raise worker conditions. Inductive Semi-Structured Interviews are planned with ILO officials, factory owners and factory workers to gain depth understanding of key stakeholders’ views, particularly surrounding changes enacted ‘on the ground’ and the motives and barriers to compliance with international standards.