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Conference Paper/Proceeding/Abstract 124 views

Human Rights in the MNE Network: Exploring the Complexities of the Parent-Subsidiary Relationship

Louise Obara Orcid Logo, Irina Gokh

The 5th Annual Business and Human Rights Scholars Association Conference, University of Essex, UK. (2019)

Swansea University Author: Louise Obara Orcid Logo

Abstract

The relationship between multinational enterprises (MNEs) and their suppliers features heavily in the business and human rights (BHR) discourse. Indeed, some of the seminal cases that triggered the debate about corporate human rights impacts and responsibilities, such as Nike’s use of ‘sweatshops’,...

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Published in: The 5th Annual Business and Human Rights Scholars Association Conference, University of Essex, UK. (2019)
Published:
URI: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa67611
Abstract: The relationship between multinational enterprises (MNEs) and their suppliers features heavily in the business and human rights (BHR) discourse. Indeed, some of the seminal cases that triggered the debate about corporate human rights impacts and responsibilities, such as Nike’s use of ‘sweatshops’, concerned the practices of MNEs’ suppliers. Whilst a small body of work exists that explores the relationships of MNEs from a BHR perspective, most notably by legal scholars, this literature fails to capture the complexities and dynamics of the MNE network particularly that of the parent-subsidiary relationship. We address this by utilising insights from the international business field, specifically how companies develop and structure their global operations as part of their internationalisation strategy. Through the notion of the ‘dynamic differentiated network’, we explore in detail the web of relationships that global companies cultivate to conduct their business and the implications this presents for the protection of human rights. We argue it is crucial that the intricacies of MNE networks are explored in detail, as without this knowledge we are not able to fully appreciate the factors that enable as well as hinder the transfer of good human rights practices within the parent-subsidiary relationship.

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