Mindset: The Key Missing Element

Violations in the supply chain persist partly because current implementation of social compliance standards falls short of a key missing element: deeper mindset-shifting work.

My impassioned argument and theory of change is that all the technical, standards-driven work must be supplemented by work at a deeper level—that of shifting mindsets.

No doubt this is the most challenging work of all: Changing mindsets in order to humanize and honor the value that workers generate rather than distancing the workers and thus allowing ourselves to make them unseen.

Treadmill of Violations

For more than fifty years, and especially the last three decades, the amount of time, money, and energy that has been invested in identifying and correcting violations in the global supply chain is vast. Despite this, the treadmill of violations rolls on, and workers and their livelihoods continue to be extremely vulnerable.

As those deeply immersed in advancing social responsibility know, the challenge remains that these efforts often produce limited results at the surface level and the systemic root causes remain virtually untouched.

Technical Expertise & Mindset Skills Must Work Hand in Hand

The technical knowledge required to make progress on implementing international labor and human rights standards is undeniably essential, as are regulations and worker voice. However, they won’t have sustained impact when the mindset of people on any side of the effort isn’t aligned with the intended outcomes of such work – to make the investments necessary to treat workers fairly and humanely and honor their contributions. 

Working Together for Positive Change

Efforts aimed at positive change in the global supply chain have a much better chance of succeeding when technical expertise and human skills come together and work hand in hand to produce positive outcomes.