Abstract
Purpose – The objective of this research is to assess whether supply chain disclosures increase the values and competitive advantages for firms in the apparel manufacturing industry in Generalised Systems of Preferences (GSP) certified countries.
Design/methodology/approach – Sustainable and Ethical Supply Chain (S&ESC) disclosures by 40 apparel manufacturers from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Indonesia were compared with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) framework to ascertain the strength of disclosures. Multivariate analysis was then employed to assess their impact on firm values, measured by Tobin’s Q, and of competitive advantages, using organizational capital (OC) as the proxy.
Findings – This study finds that S&ESC disclosures have a positive but not significant relationship with the values of firms. However, S&ESC disclosures positively and significantly influence the competitiveness of firms, suggesting those that disclose S&ESC matters have a competitive advantage over those that do not disclose.
Outcome – The findings of this research will be useful for apparel manufacturers in the Generalised Systems of Preferences (GSP) certified countries, and for customers in developed countries.
Originality/value - There is no known study that specifically refers to S&ESC disclosures in the apparel industry in GSP certified countries. This research fills that gap.
