Discussion
Many major firms, ranging from Nike and Starbucks to Wal-Mart, and IKEA, have been criticized for selling products from overseas suppliers whose workers toil in bad conditions for long hours and at low pay. Defenders of the companies point out that overseas sourcing provide jobs that are better than workers would have without it. Critics think that companies that sell products in wealthy countries have a social responsibility to see that suppliers in less developed nations pay a fair wage and provide healthy working conditions.
What do you think? Should U.S. firms be required to monitor the employment practices of suppliers in their supply chains? Should all suppliers be held to Western legal or moral standards? What solutions or compromises might be offered?
The response should include a reference list. Double-space, using Times New Roman 12 pnt font, one-inch margins, and APA style of writing and citations.