SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY GOVERNANCE CHALLENGES IN THE PRODUCTIVE CHAIN: THE CASE OF THE SHOE INDUSTRY OF FRANCA

Abstract

Starting from the characteristics of economical competition present in the shoe productive chain, this case report identifies some limitations to the governance of social responsibility in the companies of Franca. Based on existing field research about the shoe productive system and on data collection concerning the type of interorganizacional cooperation established in that region, the approximation of shoe companies that are concerned with social responsibility against the use of child labor exemplifies the obstacles faced by those who accepted new social responsibilities. The characteristics of the business relationships’ governance shape a highly competitive economical environment. At the same time, the demands of society regarding a greater responsibility on the part of companies increase, making it necessary the renewal of practices in work organization and in the social action of firms in the shoe sector of Franca. This productive chain collective efficiency necessarily involves the management of the social aspect, concerning the non-use of child labor.