Article-5 Role of International Buyers in the Compliance Management Process of the RMG Industry and Mitigation of Human Factors Thereby: A Bangladeshi Case

Abstract

International buyers are acknowledged as the primary catalysts of compliance management in the Bangladeshi RMG industry, mitigating potential human factors. Nonetheless, various researchers cast doubt on their motivations to push compliance and question their role in sharing the related financial burden. Following this gap, this study investigates the role of international buyers in the Bangladeshi RMG industry in pushing compliance endeavors and whether they financially support these efforts. By pursuing a thematic analysis of the interview transcripts and related documents, it is concluded that international buyers are incredibly tight in ensuring their compliance checklists through various auditing platforms, creating an ‘audit fatigue’ for the suppliers; however, they indirectly share the financial burden in an insignificant manner and are most eager to reimburse for the safety-related compliance issues owing to media pressure. This finding will benefit academics, government agencies and HR/compliance managers revolving around the RMG industries.