We develop research that applies academic rigor to create actionable insights and tools for practitioners working to advance business’ respect for human rights. We create case studies that can be used in class to teach core business disciplines and in business to advance best practices. Additionally, we provide opportunities to spur innovation in the business and human rights field through competitions, hackathons, student projects, and other experiential learning opportunities.
Independent Research
Trends in Business and Human Rights Law in the Group of Seven (G7)
Abstract: This report is designed to act as a reference guide for businesses wanting to understand the scope of their legal obligations with respect to human rights when operating in the international arena. This report presents an overview of key business and human rights trends and laws and, in particular, focuses on 1) slavery and forced labor; 2) anti-corruption and bribery; and 3) conflict minerals. This analysis is based on a review of the legal regimes and guidelines set forth by the Group of Seven (G7) countries and Australia, as those countries are notable global actors on these issues. The Appendix to this report provides a reference table, organized by country and topic, with more information on the business and human rights laws that may be applicable to companies operating in those jurisdictions. This report and its Appendix are meant to serve as a reference guide and not meant to provide any legal advice. Businesses should retain and rely on legal counsel in those countries in which they operate in order to fully understand how specific laws may apply to them.
Authors: Diana Jeschke, Jeffrey Severson, and Maria Vanikiotis, Crowell & Moring
HRBI Program Sponsor: Jesse Nishinaga
Date: August 2020
An Investor Guide to Addressing Forced Labor in the Apparel Industry
Abstract: This guide is divided into three sections: the investment case for addressing forced labor in the apparel industry, a brief background on the foundational elements of addressing this issue, and recommendations for investors on how to make informed decisions in relation to this issue. The guide aims to help investors develop a basic understanding of the international guidelines that direct a company’s responsibility to address forced labor, how the complexity of the apparel industry’s supply chain is tied to forced labor, and the steps investors can take within the scope of their fiduciary duty. The guide is the result of a research project which set out to evaluate what resources were available for investors in order to make informed decisions about forced labor in the apparel industry. A survey conducted as part of the project asked investment analysts to identify: to what degree or extent forced labor was a significant issue when researching companies in general vs. in the apparel industry specifically; their primary source of information about a company’s exposure to forced labor; how effective they find company reports to be in addressing their due diligence needs; and which resources they find helpful when researching forced labor in the garment industry, as well as a final question asking them to rate the potential value of four proposed resources. Their responses indicated that there is broad recognition that forced labor is a significant issue for the apparel industry, but there is no primary resource utilized by the majority of analysts, and company reports are only moderately effective in providing the necessary information. A due diligence checklist and stakeholder map were produced based on interviews with subject matter experts and desk-based research.
Author: Nancy Reyes Mullins, Master of Development Practice, Class 2020
HRBI Faculty Sponsor: Faris Natour
Date: July 2020
Download the report here.
Models for Shared Prosperity in the Future of Work
Abstract: From U.S. presidential candidates to some of the world’s leading business institutions, the “Future of Work” has become a mainstream business topic centered on the premise that artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and other advanced technologies will replace human activities, eliminate jobs, reshape entire occupations and fields, and change the nature of work itself. Theories of skill-biased technological change highlight how even in a future where technology drives the creation of new tasks, demand will be disproportionately boosted for high-skilled labor. Our economy is facing both a skills gap and an opportunity gap where low-wage workers are not afforded opportunities for upward mobility due to barriers such as degree inflation or bias. This paper explores the responsibility of the private sector to proactively put workers at the center of their Future of Work strategies and use the best of technology innovation to shape a more positive future for workers and communities. Leaning on global frameworks like the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the UN's Sustainable Development Goals can serve useful while designing new future of work strategies and forging cross-sector partnerships. This study outlines examples of collaborative business models and new technology innovations which have centered on shared prosperity. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the challenges facing business and workers have been exacerbated and have revealed the systemic vulnerabilities which were in place. Recognizing our collective responsibility towards workers and communities is more important now than ever.
Author: Nerjada Maksutaj, MBA 2020, Haas School of Business
HRBI Faculty Sponsor: Faris Natour
Date: May 2020
Download the report here.
Responsible Innovation in Tech: Learnings from Other Industries
Abstract: The tech industry has lately been under scrutiny as a result of its business practices that prioritize fast growth at the expense of ethical considerations. In parallel with sustainable business trends rising across the private sector, the tech industry has started to think about ethics and how to innovate responsibly. The last few years have seen the development of ethical tech principles, most notably around artificial intelligence technologies. As the industry is working on operationalizing these principles, most of the conversation is happening in research circles and the change is yet to be implemented by business teams. Those invested in ethics and human rights need to make sure that these principles are translated into responsible innovation practices adopted throughout companies. This paper explores how the tech industry might source best practices from other industries who are further along in integrating social responsibility into their businesses. Namely, these industries are apparel, extractives, and pharmaceuticals. While acknowledging the many differences between the nature of responsible business topics amongst the various industries, it is important to note that there are many similarities in the way responsible business practices are operationalized in companies. This paper aims to identify the critical steps that have been taken by companies in their journey to integrate responsible business practices and the learnings most applicable to the tech industry.
Author: Lale Tekisalp, MBA 2020, Haas School of Business
HRBI Faculty Sponsor: Faris Natour
Date: May 2020
Download the report here.
Humans in the Loop: Impact Sourcing and Freelance Labor in the Data Labeling Industry
Abstract: The inspiration for this study was borne out of the author’s growing interest in the private sector’s role in public policy and her deep-seated belief that businesses, particularly the tech industry, play a critical role in building a more just and sustainable world. While much has been written about technology replacing humans in the future, less is known about the labor-intensive process of data labeling, upon which AI and ML tools are built. This report is therefore an effort to facilitate understanding of the global data labeling industry and the nature of the data supply chain and shed light on the invisible human work that drives the “magic” of AI. The report also applies an impact sourcing lens to the global data labeling industry, focusing specifically on data labelers who do crowdwork and/or work on a contract basis. It suggests a set of guidelines that companies who hire contract labor to complete data labeling tasks can use to meet the impact sourcing goal of creating good jobs for those most in need across global supply chains. While the report focuses on the data labeling industry, the analysis and recommendations may have wider application in other parts of the gig economy in general.
Author: Sheryl Shum, Goldman School of Public Policy (GSPP), Class 2020
HRBI Faculty Sponsor: Roger McElrath; cross-listed with permission from GSPP and BSR
Date: May 2020
Download the report here.
Technology Solutions for Advancing Human Rights in Global Supply Chains
Abstract: Despite growing efforts by business, investors, civil society, and policy makers over the past two decades, workers in global supply chains continue to experience human rights abuses. While conditions have improved in some industries, the absence of robust regulatory intervention and enforcement have opened the door for private sector interventions, including the use of technology solutions, to empower and safeguard the rights of workers and enable suppliers and companies to respect human rights and provide access to effective remedies. The challenge, however, is that many, if not most, of these technology solutions have yet to achieve the needed scale and impact. This landscape assessment provides substantial evidence of a significant market and global demand for technology solutions aimed at addressing human rights risks and challenges in global supply chains. Today, hundreds of millions of dollars are being spent on these technology solutions or are being invested in emerging technologies that may someday bring game-changing opportunities for millions of workers around the world.
Authors: Jesse Nishinaga and Faris Natour
Date: July 2019
Download the report here.
