Omukaga, Kizito Ojilong' (2024). Accounting for labour exploitation in corporations with global supply chains: a case of the Kenyan commercial tea industry. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.
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Omukaga2024PhD_Redacted.pdf
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Abstract
The study delves into labour exploitation within the Kenyan tea industry, with a specific focus on the influence of technology and the role of certification flaws in exacerbating this issue. Employing an interpretive methodology, the research integrates qualitative data derived from 90 individual interviews, 7 focus group discussions involving 59 participants, documentary analysis, and observational insights. While the study did not uncover instances of child labour, contrary to previous reports, it revealed forms of forced labour such as indebtedness among small-scale farmers and the coerced use of shears in large-scale tea production. Additionally, the precarious nature of work in the industry signifies a broader problem of forced labour. Notably, the Rainforest Alliance (RA) certification has failed to address critical issues like the forced use of shears and
inadequate minimum wages. The originality of this study lies in its comprehensive examination of the intricate interplay between technology, certification shortcomings, and labour exploitation within the Kenyan tea sector, offering nuanced insights into a multifaceted socio-economic dilemma. In terms of practical implications, the study underscores the urgency for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and certification bodies
to address labour exploitation through enhanced technology integration and more rigorous certification processes. Socially, the study serves to raise awareness about the prevalence of labour exploitation, advocating for fair labour practices, and promoting accountability to safeguard the rights of workers. However, the research acknowledges challenges as the case study was restricted to two tea processors and faced limitations in
visiting other factories, potentially impacting data reliability.
| Type of Work: | Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.) | |||||||||
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| Award Type: | Doctorates > Ph.D. | |||||||||
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| Licence: | All rights reserved | |||||||||
| College/Faculty: | Colleges > College of Social Sciences | |||||||||
| School or Department: | Birmingham Business School, Department of Accounting | |||||||||
| Funders: | Arts and Humanities Research Council | |||||||||
| Subjects: | H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General) | |||||||||
| URI: | http://etheses.bham.ac.uk/id/eprint/15050 |
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