Compliance Practices in Garments Industr
Compliance Practices in Garments Industr
Compliance Practices in Garments Industr
Abstract
The RMG industry in Bangladesh has grown – up successfully and dramatically over last
three decades. RMG industry started its journey in Bangladesh in the late 1970s and has
become fast growing industry in Bangladesh within a very short time. This industry plays
vital role in export earnings, foreign exchange earnings, employment creation, poverty
alleviation and the empowerment of woman. For development of this sector, Bangladesh
needs to emphasize on the factory working environment, social issues, labor relations and
compliances with code of conduct. This paper is based on descriptive and inferential
research. The paper identifies the improvement of factory activities through compliances and
finds out a close relationship between compliance and productivity.
Introduction
The ready – made garment (RMG) industry of Bangladesh commenced its journey in the late
1970s and within a short period of time became important player in the economy. The
industry has contributed to export earnings, employment creation, poverty alleviation and the
empowerment of women. Bangladesh exports its RMG products mainly to the United States
of America and the European Union. Garments exports from Bangladesh have been growing
at an impressive rate in recent years. In 2007/2008 alone, they increased by 16% to reach US
$10.7 billion – a record level for the sixth consecutive years – following a 17% raise in
2006/07. It also fulfils a crucial role in the country’s economy. It accounts for over 75% of
the country’s total exports. Also it provides jobs for almost 5 million people, accounts for
over 10% of the country’s GDP, and contributes around 40% of its manufacturing output.
These prospects of RMG industries, however, in Bangladesh not only depend on availability
of cheap labor and government’s liberal policy but also compliance code of conduct is
similarly important in this respect. Compliance means to comply with something or yield to
the wishes of another. RMG sector of Bangladesh needs to improve the factory working
environment and various social issues related to the industry. International buyers are very
*Md Arifur Rahman, Senior Lecturer in Management, Department of Business Administration, Northern
University Bangladesh
**Mir Sohrab Hossain, Assistant Professor, Business Administration Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna
particular about compliance with codes of conduct before placing any garment import order.
Poor housekeeping storage system, ineffective monitoring and controlling system,
disorganized production layout, lack of team – based work, rented factory premises, narrow
and unavailability of staircases, closed environment, insufficient light and air, unavailability
of clean drinking water, in separated wash room for male and female are the common
practices in the most of the RMG factories in Bangladesh.
BGMEA and BKMEA, two largest owner’s association of Bangladesh Garment’s industries,
set standards for compliance, like – factories must have alternative stairs, basic fire
equipments, approved layout plan from concerned authority for ensuring safe building
constriction, ensuring group insurance for workers, hygienic sanitation facility and first aid
appliance, ensuring minimum wage, ensuring flexible jobs for workers. There are many
recognized compliance bodies worldwide, like – ILO, ISO 14001, WRAP, BSCI, ETI, SAI,
FLA. Owners of RMG factories and government can seek help to those bodies to improve the
standard of environment of garment industry as well as products of this industry. In this
paper, researchers examine the existing compliance practices of RMG factories in
Bangladesh. This paper also reveals the acceptability of current compliance issues to the
employed workers.
Objectives of Study
Literature Review
In order to export readymade garments, it is not only the quality parameters which are
important towards acceptance of the product as per the intended end use, but also the working
environment in which the garments are to be produced, is equally important so that
sweatshop concept is totally taken care of and the code of conduct must be stretched towards
achieving the objectives of social compliance issues, (Das 2008). Research showed that when
companies that dealt with foreign buyers adhered to codes of conduct, conditions improved
for the workers in the factories stated by Simeen Mahmud in one of her articles. In some
large factories, health and safety standards improved and other benefits were introduced such
as timely payment of salaries, proper overtime rates and maternity leave. Haider (2007) in his
study stated that the social dimensions of the RMG industry are getting more attention from
consumers, social workers, welfare organizations and brand name international buyers.
Especially international buyers are very particular about compliance with codes of conduct.
Currently, many international buyers demand compliance with their “code of conduct” before
placing any garment import order. The factory working environment is not very satisfactory.
So in order to sustain in the industry, Bangladesh needs to improve the factory working
environment and various social issues related to the RMG industry Informal recruitment, low
literacy levels, wage discrimination, irregular, payment and short contracts of service are very
common practices in the RMG factories in Bangladesh. People’s Daily Online China (2008)
reported that the Bangladeshi caretaker government is to take stern action from August 1
against owners of garment factories who failed to implement compliance issues like
providing minimum wage to workers. German Embassy (2010) stated that PROGRESS, a
joint project of the Bangladesh Ministry of Commerce and the German Federal Ministry has
consequently turned its full attention to the area of social compliance and assisting the
government with implementation of the recently gazette labor law, media campaigns, training
and retraining measures for compliance inspectors, advisors, and the introduction of a new
monitoring & evaluation system. According to Hameeda Hossain, Convener of the Shromik
Nirapotta Forum, Newspaper reports and statements by business leaders suggest that they
may now be willing to recognize genuine labor problems which is reflected by the fact that
BGMEA and BKMEA are reported to have conceded the need to revise pay scales, to issue
employment letters, not to enforce overtime. The question of safety conditions was also
raised.
Methodology
Both descriptive and inferential research was conducted to identify different dimensions of
compliances of garments industry, like – housekeeping storage, working environment,
production layout and controlling system, and management policies and practices in
Bangladesh. The scope of the research is the lower level male and female workers of the
garments industry located in Dhaka. Both primary and secondary sources were used for this
study purpose. It was required to collect data from the primary and secondary sources for the
nature of this study. The primary data was collected through a structured questionnaire (with
5 point scale) from 150 operating level employees of 10 garments industry of Dhaka city in
2009. For primary data, interview survey was carefully designed and conducted to evaluate
the technical compliance performance of garments industry. Secondary data were collected
by consulting official documents of garments’ industries, internet, industry manuals, audit
reports, annual reports, articles, etc. Statistical Package for Social Study (SPSS Software) was
used for conducting various analyses which is most commonly used for conducting
quantitative research.
Hypothesis
procedures.
H1: Garments industries in Bangladesh are not practicing compliance policies and
procedures.
This study has tried to measure the extent to which the garments industries are following their
compliance obligations or not. Collected data were analyzed and interpreted in the line with
the research objectives. From the analysis, the mean and standard deviation of all variables
have been calculated separately. From the mean, the variables acceptability on the basis of
compliance standard have been found and with the use of standard deviations it can be easily
understood the deviation among the respondents response.
The survey questionnaire includes question about housekeeping storage facilities of the
organization and in responses to this question, majority of the respondents (40%) are strongly
agree that the organization’s have good housekeeping facilities and 20% of the respondents
are either agree or neutral about this statement respectively with a mean of 3.93 lie between
Agree and Neutral position and standard deviation of 1.2. The respondents were asked
whether the storage facilities is well organized or not, 66.66%% have replied that they have a
very well organized storage facilities with a mean of 3.93 lie between Agree and Neutral
position and standard deviation 1.2. From the analysis it is noted that 33.33% are strongly
agree with the statement that the operations are handled efficiently and whereas 13.33% are
strongly disagree with this statement with a mean of 3.53 lie between Agree and Neutral
position and standard deviation 1.51. Although majority of the respondents (63.34%) are
either strongly agree or agree that the current compliance systems have improved work
posture for greater efficiency but 20 respondents have given their negative answer. The mean
is 3.8 lie between Agree and Neutral position and standard deviation is 1.62. It is observed
from the analysis that out of 150 respondents 60 have given their strong positive answer
regarding the improvement of the controlling and monitoring system which has led the
organization to minimizing mistakes. But a significant no of respondents (20%) disagree with
this statement. The mean is 3.67 which lie between Agree and Neutral position and standard
deviation is 1.62. Regarding flexibility and responsibility of the job researchers revealed that
70% of respondents strongly believe that they have responsible and flexible job and a
considerable portion of respondents have neutral thinking regarding this issue which calculate
mean 3.93 and deviation among the respondents response was 1.69. In the issue - whether the
organization removes fatigue to keep employees alert and productive, a majority portion
(65%) opine positively whereas a sizeable population didn’t comment regarding this subject.
For this concern mean has been calculate 3.99 which indicate the employees agreeableness
proportion while respondents responses deviate from each other up-to 1.73. Concerned
workers were asked about how far the production layout is appropriate for their given task.
In this regard, most of respondents thinks that they are working in a standard production
layout though a considerable limit (30% of respondents) contradict with this positive
impression of workers. It is exposed through this matter that nonetheless employees are
satisfied with their production outline; they have to some extent difficulties for working with
the present production design. Researchers asked the respondents that how far organization
permits and persuade group work and most of the employees strongly support this positive
view of management and a significant portion think that management doesn’t authorize such
of work. 6o% and 30% of total respondents respectively give their strong positive opinion
and optimistic attitude regarding this matter whereas 40% of respondents disagree with this
issue with the mean value of 3.73 and standard deviation 1.14. The interview with workers of
the RMG sector discovered that whereas organization practice production progress control
system or not, a significant percentage (40%) given strong views concerning this matter and
26.67%, 13.33% and 13.33% had the same opinion, were unbiased, and were diverged with
this option respectively which calculates mean 3.80 and show the deviation of answers up-to
1.62. The respondents were asked whether the organization practices diversity management
or not, 66.66%% have replied that they have a well practiced diversity management system
where has a cultural inclusion that welcomes people of different ethnicity, gender, religion,
age, personal style, sexual orientation, appearance and tenure, as well as people with diverse
opinions, perspectives, lifestyles, ideas but a significant portion of the respondents (20%)
were in neutral position with a mean of 3.93 recline between Agree and Neutral position and
standard deviation 1.2. From the analysis it is noted that 33.33% are strongly agree with the
statement that the organization provides the equal employment opportunity for all
employees and associates without regard the employees’ race, color, religion, age, sex, creed,
national origin, ancestry, marital status, familial status, affection and sexual orientation,
disability, and 26.67% are also agree with this but a good number of persons (13.33%) are
oppose with this statement with a mean of 3.53 lie between Agree and Neutral position and
standard deviation 1.51. It is the policy of most of the RMG industries to maintain a
workplace free of harassment. Harassment by co-workers, customers, vendors, agents or any
other third parties is forbidden. Any associate or worker who believes that he/she has been
subjected to harassment, or has seen someone else harassed, must report it immediately to
his/her supervisor or the local Human Resources Division. Although majority of the
respondents (63.34%) are either strongly agree or agree that the employees are not harassed
by the top level executives but 20 respondents have given their negative answer. The mean is
3.8 lie between Agree and Neutral position and standard deviation is 1.62. The employers’
association of RMG sector of Bangladesh is committed to maintaining a work environment
free from violence, threats of violence, intimidation and other disruptive behavior. Employers
of this sector are committed to take seriously all reports of such incidents and will be dealt
with promptly and appropriately. Individuals who commit such acts may be removed from
the premises and may be subject to disciplinary action. It is observed from the analysis that
out of 150 respondents 60 have given their strong positive and 20% have given positive
answer regarding organization doesn’t permit workplace violence. But a significant no of
respondents (20%) disagree with this statement. The mean is 3.67 which lie between Agree
and Neutral position and standard deviation is 1.62. Operational units and major functional
units of Textile and Clothing industries encourages the responsible use of modern
Information Technologies (e.g., computers, networks, e-mail, internet) as a valuable and
effective business tool. It was asked to the respondents whether organization has acceptable
use of information Technologies and in this context researchers revealed that 70% of
respondents strongly believe that they have information dissemination system by using
modern information technologies and a considerable portion of respondents have neutral
thinking regarding this issue which calculate mean 3.93 and deviation among the respondents
response was 1.69 (See table 05 in the appendix).
Testing of Hypothesis
The 99%acceptance zone (confidence level) confirms two equal areas of 0.495 each. From
the Normal distribution table it can be found that the appropriate Z value for 1% significance
level is 2.58. Now the limits of the acceptance zone can be determined (it has shown below):
S 0.1197
Standard Error = x 0.0309
n n 15
X x
Now standardizing the sample mean, Z =
x
= 3.83+0.10062
57.38
x
n 1
= 3.83
X 2
n 1
0.2007
=
0.1197
Now from the analysis it is revealed that the means of ten statements lie within the
acceptance zone and five have fallen outside the acceptance zone. So, it can be concluded
that the null hypothesis is particularly accepted. But the factors are fallen inside the rejected
zone should be given much more concentrations. They are as follows:
Major Conclusions
Recommendations
1. Organizations should ensure proper production and official layout with perfect place
materials, tools and controls easy reached by workers without bending or twisting the
body. Organization should tape up unused machine and keep it away from the
manufacturing plant safely.
2. All of the employees related with this potential industry should be enthusiastic to
avoid the conflict of interests. This means that employees and employers should not
place themselves in situation that might face them to choose between their own
interest, business or financial interest and the interests of readymade garments
industries.
3. Workers should be properly seated for waist and foot rest. Workforce is the heart of
the organization and organization should guarantee the workforce’s proper rest for the
fix time which can easily be helpful for the productivity of this industry.
4. Industries should provide chair with backrest. Fatigue will surely arise during work in
a place and to remove such type of tiredness organization should make available place
with suitable chair which can ensure backrest of the workforce in the right time.
5. Employees are the main wheel of the organization. RMG industries should have
adequate leg space needs to allow easy leg movement of workers. That means layout
of the manufacturing plant should be more spacious.
7. Factories should have effective fire distinguisher and separate and adequate space for
entrance and exit of the workers. Every displays and control systems should be clear
to all employees and workers.
8. Organizations should ensure health, safety and standard work environment for the
employees. In this case, organizations should provide proper ventilation, sufficient
light and air. For organizing such facilities owners should comply at a minimum with
legal standard and minimize the use and discharge of hazardous substances and
promote recycling of resources.
References
Appendix
Cumulative
Monthly Income Frequency Percent Valid Percent
Percent
Cumulative
Designation Frequency Percent Valid Percent
Percent
Strongly Agree 60 40
Agree 30 20
Neutral 20 13.33 3.73 1.14
Disagree 40 26.67
Strongly Disagree 0 0
10.Organization has a production progress
control system
Strongly Agree 60 40
Agree 40 26.67 3.8 1.62
Neutral 20 13.33
Disagree 20 13.33
Strongly Disagree 10 6.67
11.Organization practices diversity
managemetn
Strongly Agree 50 33.33
Agree 50 33.33 3.93 1.2
Neutral 40 26.67
Disagree 10 6.67
Strongly Disagree 0 0
12.Organization provides the equal
employment opportunity
Strongly Agree 50 33.33
Agree 40 26.67
Neutral 30 20 3.67 1.56
Disagree 20 13.33
Strongly Disagree 10 6.67
13.Employees are not harassed by the top
level executives
Strongly Agree 55 36
Agree 40 27
Neutral 35 23 3.8 1.62
Disagree 10 6.67
Strongly Disagree 10 6.67
Figure 01: Graphical presentation of Mean and Standard Deviations of the Statements
x
x
4. Organization improves work posture for greater 3.80 3.83 -0.03 0.0009
efficiency
5. Organization improves monitoring and 3.67 3.83 -0.16 0.0256
controlling system to minimize mistakes
6. Organization designs responsible and flexible 3.93 3.83 0.10 0.01
jobs
7. Organization removes fatigue to keep workers 3.99 3.83 0.16 0.0256
alert and productive
8. Organization's production layout is appropriate 3.93 3.83 0.10 0.01
10. Organization has a production progress control 3.80 3.83 -0.03 0.0009
system
11. Organization practices diversity management 3.93 3.83 0.10 0.01
12. Organization provides the equal employment 3.67 3.83 -0.16 0.0256
opportunity
13. Employees are not harassed by the top level 3.80 3.83 -0.03 0.0009
executives
14. Organization doesn't have workplace violence 3.67 3.83 -0.16 0.0256
15. Organization has acceptable use of information 3.93 3.83 0.10 0.01
technologies