Translating Modern Slavery into Management Practice

28 Pages Posted: 27 Jan 2020 Last revised: 11 May 2022

See all articles by Galit Sarfaty

Galit Sarfaty

University of Toronto - Faculty of Law

Date Written: January 6, 2020

Abstract

This article examines how ill-defined legal norms around modern slavery are being outlined in supply chain legislation and then interpreted by management professionals. Building on an infrastructural analysis of supply chain governance, I uncover the set of practices that underlie recent regulations around modern slavery. I track the implementation of these laws by following the “chain of translation,” whereby information is transformed from on-the-ground raw data; to quantitative metrics of modern slavery risks; and finally, to polished corporate statements. This analysis focuses on the critical role being played by Sedex (Supplier Ethical Data Exchange), which is a platform for sharing responsible sourcing data. While Sedex is not an auditor and is not governed by lawyers, it is nonetheless serving an important function in interpreting legal norms around modern slavery and facilitating the implementation of supply chain laws. Yet there are potential costs to its expansive role. Sedex is translating modern slavery into a management problem largely based on quantitative metrics such as indicators and risk scorecards. While Sedex provides limited opportunities for public participation, it needs to be more transparent as to the methodology behind its metrics and provide further opportunities for comments by parties underrepresented in its governance.

Keywords: modern slavery, global supply chains, human rights, platforms, supply chain disclosure laws

Suggested Citation

Sarfaty, Galit, Translating Modern Slavery into Management Practice (January 6, 2020). Law and Social Inquiry, vol. 45, p. 1027 (2021), Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3514381

Galit Sarfaty (Contact Author)

University of Toronto - Faculty of Law ( email )

78 and 84 Queen's Park
Toronto, Ontario M5S 2C5
Canada

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