Threads of Social Pillar: A textual Analysis of SDG 5, 8 and 10 in Apparel Industry Cover

Threads of Social Pillar: A textual Analysis of SDG 5, 8 and 10 in Apparel Industry

Proceedings of the International Conference on Business Excellence

Volume 19 (2025): Issue 1 (July 2025)

By: Florentina-Mădălina Perevoznic and Voicu-Dan Dragomir

Open Access

|Jul 2025

References

Abraham, K. Thomas. 2024. “Responsible Leadership and Triple Bottom Line Performance: Imperatives for Corporate Sustainability.” Journal of Global Responsibility 15(4): 485–500. doi:10.1108/JGR-06-2023-0111.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
ApparelScience. 2023. “Stitching Sustainability: UN SDGs and the Evolution of Ethical Garment Manufacturing.” https://apparelscience.com/stitching-sustainability-un-sdgs-ethical-garment-manufacturing/ (February 10, 2025).
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Bağlayan, Başak, Ingrid Landau, Marisa McVey, and Kebene Wodajo. 2018. “Good Business: The Economic Case for Protecting Human Rights.” https://www.undp.org/sites/g/files/zskgke326/files/2024-04/4-%20Good-business-report%20-%20Case%20for%20protecting%20human%20rights.pdf (January 29, 2025).
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Bairoh, Susanna. 2024. “It Is Competence First’: Executives Navigating Gender Equality Targets and Meritocracy in Technology Companies.” Gender in Management: An International Journal 39(4): 590–605. doi:10.1108/GM-05-2022-0172.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
BBC. 2018. “Dolce and Gabbana Cancels Shanghai Fashion Show amid Racism Accusations.” (News). https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-46288884 (January 28, 2025).
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Beloskar, Ved Dilip, Arunima Haldar, and Anupama Gupta. 2024. “Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment: A Bibliometric Review of the Literature on SDG 5 through the Management Lens.” Journal of Business Research 172: 114442. doi:10.1016/j.jbusres.2023.114442.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Ben-Dov, Moty, and Ronen Feldman. 2009. “Text Mining and Information Extraction.” In Data Mining and Knowledge Discovery Handbook, eds. Oded Maimon and Lior Rokach. Boston, MA: Springer US, 809–35. doi:10.1007/978-0-387-09823-4_42.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Benstead, Amy V., Linda C. Hendry, and Mark Stevenson. 2018. “Horizontal Collaboration in Response to Modern Slavery Legislation: An Action Research Project.” International Journal of Operations & Production Management 38(12): 2286–2312. doi:10.1108/IJOPM-10-2017-0611.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Birch, Kate. 2024. “For LVMH, Diversity and Inclusion Drives Business Success.” https://sustainabilitymag.com/diversity-and-inclusion-dandi/for-lvmh-diversity-and-inclusion-drives-business-success (February 3, 2025).
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Blaise, Hope. 2022. “How Companies Can Help Achieve the UN’s SDG 10 on Inequality.” Sustainability. https://sustainabilitymag.com/sustainability/how-companies-can-help-achieve-the-uns-sdg-10-on-inequality-sustainable-development-goals (January 24, 2025).
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Boersma, Martijn, Zoe Mellick, Alice Payne, Justine Coneybeer, Rowena Maguire, Erin O’Brien, and Timo Rissanen. 2025. “Beyond the Farm Gate: Addressing Labour and Human Right Issues Occurring Downstream in the Textiles and Apparel Value Chain.” Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management: An International Journal. doi:10.1108/JFMM-02-2024-0042.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Cardona, Nancy. 2024. “Global Apparel Industry Statistics (2024).” Statistics. https://www.uniformmarket.com/statistics/global-apparel-industry-statistics (January 26, 2025).
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
CareerExplorer. 2025. “Employment Type Mix.” Beauty&Style. https://www.careerexplorer.com/careers/fashion-designer/demographics/ (January 23, 2025).
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Center for alliance of labor and human rights. 2024. “Workers in H&M Factories Suffer Human Rights and Labor Abuses, New Report Details.” https://central-cambodia.org/archives/1061 (January 31, 2025).
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Cojocaru, Teodor Marian, George H. Ionescu, Daniela Firoiu, Laura Mariana Cismaș, Maria Daniela Oțil, and Ovidiu Toma. 2022. “Reducing Inequalities within and among EU Countries—Assessing the Achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Targets (SDG 10).” Sustainability 14(13): 7706. doi:10.3390/su14137706.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Conlon, Scarlett. 2019. “Sikhs Call Headpiece Sold by Gucci Disrespectful Mimicry.” Fashion. https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2019/may/17/sikhs-call-headpiece-sold-by-gucci-disrespectful-mimicry (January 27, 2025).
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Crumbie, Alex, and Khalid Mahmood. 2021. “Workers’ Rights in the Clothing Industry and What Consumers Can Do.” https://cleanclothes.org/blog/workers-rights-in-the-clothing-industry-and-what-consumers-can-do (January 27, 2025).
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Doherty, Livvy, and Michelle Toh. 2023. “Myanmar after More Worker Abuse Allegations.” (Business). https://edition.cnn.com/2023/08/18/business/hm-myanmar-operations-phase-out-intl-hnk/index.html (January 28, 2025).
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
EarthSight. 2021. “Fashion Crimes.” https://www.earthsight.org.uk/media/download/1790 (January 26, 2025).
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Elladex. 2024. “Modern Slavery in the Fashion Industry.” https://elladex.com/insights/modern-slavery-in-the-fashion-industry (January 27, 2025).
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights. 2017. “Business-Related Human Rights Abuse Reported in the EU and Available Remedies.” https://fra.europa.eu/sites/default/files/fra_uploads/fra-2019-business-and-human-rights-focus_en.pdf (January 29, 2025).
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Eurostat. 2023. “Gender Employment Gap, by the Type of Employment.”
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Eurostat. 2024a. “Employment Rate by Sex.” doi:https://doi.org/10.2908/SDG_08_30.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Eurostat. 2024b. “Gender Pay Gap in Unadjusted Form.” doi:https://doi.org/10.2908/SDG_05_30.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Eurostat. 2024c. “Income Distribution.” doi:https://doi.org/10.2908/SDG_10_10.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Eurostat. 2024d. “Persons at Risk of Poverty or Social Exclusion by Degree of Urbanisation.” doi:https://doi.org/10.2908/SDG_10_10.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
FAAR. 2020. “Sustainable Development Goals in Fashion & Space SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities.” https://faar.space/faar-outlook/sustainable-development-goals-in-fashion-space-sdg-10-reduced-inequalities (January 24, 2025).
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Friedrich Ebert Stiftung. 2021. Practical Guidance for Brands on Human Rights Risks within the Textile Supply Chain in North Macedonia. Skopje. https://api.fairwear.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Practical-guide-for-brands-on-supply-chain-risks-North-Macedonia.pdf (January 26, 2025).
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
García‐Sánchez, Isabel‐ M aría, Salvador M arín‐ Hernández, Esther Ortiz‐ M artínez, and Beatriz Aibar‐ Guzmán. 2024. “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Reporting in European Union Companies: The Role of Female Directors and the European Regulatory Framework.” Business Strategy and the Environment 33(7): 7021–40. doi:10.1002/bse.3854.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Guilbert, Kieran. 2018. “H&M Accused of Failing to Ensure Fair Wages for Global Factory Workers.” https://www.reuters.com/article/world/hm-accused-of-failing-to-ensure-fair-wages-for-global-factory-workers-idUSKCN1M41GQ/ (January 31, 2025).
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Hessekiel, David. 2020. “Companies Taking A Public Stand In The Wake Of George Floyd’s Death.” Leadership Strategy. https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidhessekiel/2020/06/04/companies-taking-a-public-stand-in-the-wake-of-george-floyds-death/ (January 24, 2025).
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
H&M Group. 2023a. “Annual and Sustainability Report 2023.” https://hmgroup.com/investors/annual-and-sustainability-report/ (January 17, 2025).
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
H&M Group. 2023b. “H&M Group’s Policies.” https://hmgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HM-Group-Social-Policies-2023.pdf (January 17, 2025).
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
H&M Group. 2023c. “RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS CONDUCT POLICY.” https://hmgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/HM-Group-Responsible-Business-Conduct-Policy-070223.pdf (January 17, 2025).
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
H&M Group. 2023d. “Sustainability Disclosure 2023.” https://hmgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/HM-Group-Sustainability-Disclosure-2023.pdf (January 17, 2025).
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
H&M Group. 2025a. “Gender Equality in Our Supply Chain.” https://hmgroup.com/sustainability/fair-and-equal/gender-equality-in-our-supply-chain/ (February 3, 2025).
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
H&M Group. 2025b. “History.” https://hmgroup.com/about-us/history/ (January 31, 2025).
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
H&M Group. 2025c. “Human Rights Policy.” https://hmgroup.com/sustainability/standards-and-policies/human-rights-policy/ (January 17, 2025).
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
H&M Group. 2025d. “The H&M Way.” https://hmgroup.com/content/dam/hmgroup/groupsite/documents/en/hm-way/HM%20Way_en.pdf (January 31, 2025).
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
H&M Group. “Modern Slavery Statement 2023.” https://hmgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/HM-Modern-Slavery-Statement-2023-Final-030524.pdf (January 17, 2025).
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Hunt, Vivian, Sara Hunt, Sundiatu Dixon-Fyle, and Lareina Yee. 2018. Delivering through Diversity. McKinsey&Company. http://dln.jaipuria.ac.in:8080/jspui/bitstream/123456789/14237/1/Delivering-through-diversity_full-report.pdf (January 24, 2025).
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Impakter. 2023. “H&M Sustainability Report.” https://impakter.com/index/hm-sustainability-report/ (February 3, 2025).
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Inditex. 2023a. “Annual Corporate Governance Report 2023.” https://static.inditex.com/annual_report_2023/en/Annual_Corporate_Governance_Report%20(ACGR)2023.pdf (January 17, 2025).
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Inditex. 2023b. “Diversity and Inclusion Policy.” https://annualreport2023.inditex.com/en/social. Inditex. 2023c. “Group Annual Accounts.” https://static.inditex.com/annual_report_2023/en/Inditex_Group_Annual_Accounts_2023.pdf (January 17, 2025).
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Inditex. 2024. “History.” https://www.inditex.com/itxcomweb/en/group/history (February 3, 2025).
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
International Labour Organization. 2023. “How to Achieve Gender Equality in Global Garment Supply Chains.” https://webapps.ilo.org/infostories/en-GB/Stories/discrimination/garment-gender#introduction (January 23, 2025).
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Javed, Muzhar, Hafiz Yasir Ali, Muhammad Asrar-ul-Haq, Moazzam Ali, and Syed Ali Ashiq Kirmani. 2020. “Responsible Leadership and Triple-Bottom-Line Performance—Do Corporate Reputation and Innovation Mediate This Relationship?” Leadership & Organization Development Journal 41(4): 501–17. doi:10.1108/LODJ-07-2019-0329.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Jestratijevic, Iva, James Ohisei Uanhoro, and Rachel Creighton. 2022. “To Disclose or Not to Disclose? Fashion Brands’ Strategies for Transparency in Sustainability Reporting.” Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management: An International Journal 26(1): 36–50. doi:10.1108/JFMM-09-2020-0182.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
LeBaron, Genevieve, Remi Edwards, Tom Hunt, Charline Sempéré, and Penelope Kyritsis. 2022. “The Ineffectiveness of CSR: Understanding Garment Company Commitments to Living Wages in Global Supply Chains.” New Political Economy 27(1): 99–115. doi:10.1080/13563467.2021.1926954.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Lewis, Julia, Jung-Hwan Kim, and Ayse Ozturk. 2025. “Luxury Conglomerate Strategy: A Comparative Case Analysis of LVMH and Kering.” Luxury: 1–21. doi:10.1080/20511817.2024.2438356.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
LVMH. 2023a. “Code of Conduct.” https://www.lvmh.com/en/ethics-and-compliance/the-lvmh-code-of-conduct (January 17, 2025).
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
LVMH. 2023b. Diversity & Inclusion at LVMH.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
LVMH. 2023c. Social and Environmental Responsibility Report. 22, avenue Montaigne - 75008 Paris - France. https://www.lvmh.com/investors (August 8, 2024).
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
LVMH. 2023d. “Supplier Code of Conduct.” https://www.lvmh.com/en/ethics-and-compliance/lvmh-supplier-code-of-conduct (January 17, 2025).
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
LVMH. 2023e. Universal Registration Document. Paris, France. https://www.lvmh.com/investors (August 8, 2024).
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
LVMH. 2024. “‘It’s Everyone’s Business’ Series Goes to the Heart of Diversity & Inclusion at
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
LVMH.” https://www.lvmh.com/news-lvmh/its-everyones-business-series-goes-to-the-heart-of-diversity-inclusion-at-lvmh (February 3, 2025).
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
McKinsey&Company. 2021. “Taking Action: What Individuals, Companies, and the Industry Can Do.” https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/retail/our-insights/taking-action-what-individuals-companies-and-the-industry-can-do (January 27, 2025).
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
McKinsey&Company. 2022. “What Is Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion?” Featured insights. https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/mckinsey-explainers/what-is-diversity-equity-and-inclusion (January 24, 2025).
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
McPhail, Ken, and Carol A Adams. 2016. “Corporate Respect for Human Rights: Meaning, Scope, and the Shifting Order of Discourse” ed. Ken McPhail And John Ferguson. Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal 29(4): 650–78. doi:10.1108/AAAJ-09-2015-2241.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Methven O’Brien, Claire, and Sumithra Dhanarajan. 2016. “The Corporate Responsibility to Respect Human Rights: A Status Review” ed. Ken McPhail And John Ferguson. Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal 29(4): 542–67. doi:10.1108/AAAJ-09-2015-2230.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Mintel. 2024. “Diversity in Fashion.” Mintel. https://www.mintel.com/insights/retail/diversity-in-fashion/ (January 24, 2025).
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Neha Suradkar, Bhawana Chanana. 2024. “A Study of Inclusivity in the Fashion and Textiles Industry.” doi:10.5281/ZENODO.11564271.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
OECD. 2023. OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises on Responsible Business Conduct. OECD. doi:10.1787/81f92357-en.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Oestreich, Joel E. 2018. “SDG 10: Reduce Inequality in and among Countries.” Social Alternatives 37(1): 34–41.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Peake, Katrina, and Jeff Kenner. 2020. “‘Slaves to Fashion’ in Bangladesh and the EU: Promoting Decent Work?” European Labour Law Journal 11(2): 175–98. doi:10.1177/2031952520911064.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Perkiss, Stephanie, Cristiana Bernardi, John Dumay, and Jim Haslam. 2021. “A Sticky Chocolate Problem: Impression Management and Counter Accounts in the Shaping of Corporate Image.” Critical Perspectives on Accounting 81: 102229. doi:10.1016/j.cpa.2020.102229.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Rađenović, Ivana, Danica Lečić-Cvetković, Teodora Rajković, and Nenad Aničić. 2023. “Textile Industry and Coronavirus – the Impact of the Pandemic on Salesperformance: A Case Study of Inditex.” Industria Textila 74(03): 259–66. doi:10.35530/IT.074.03.202237.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Rubino, Michele, and Ilaria Mastrorocco. 2025. “Exploring the Influence of Board Structure and Composition on Respect for Human Rights.” Social Responsibility Journal 21(2): 301–19. doi:10.1108/SRJ-02-2024-0115.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Saeed, Abubakr, Hammad Riaz, Tahiru Azaaviele Liedong, and Tazeeb Rajwani. 2022. “The Impact of TMT Gender Diversity on Corporate Environmental Strategy in Emerging Economies.” Journal of Business Research 141: 536–51. doi:10.1016/j.jbusres.2021.11.057.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Sain, Isabelle. 2022. “SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, and the Fashion Industry.” https://www.threadingchange.org/blog/sdg-8 (February 9, 2025).
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Salcito, Kendyl, Chris Wielga, and Burton H. Singer. 2015. “Corporate Human Rights Commitments and the Psychology of Business Acceptance of Human Rights Duties: A Multi-Industry Analysis.” The International Journal of Human Rights 19(6): 673–96. doi:10.1080/13642987.2015.1029284.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Shohaieb, Doaa, Mahmoud Elmarzouky, and Khaldoon Albitar. 2022. “Corporate Governance and Diversity Management: Evidence from a Disclosure Perspective.” International Journal of Accounting & Information Management 30(4): 502–25. doi:10.1108/IJAIM-03-2022-0058.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Silge, Julia, and David Robinson. 2017. Text Mining with R: A Tidy Approach. Beijing, China: O’Reilly. https://www.tidytextmining.com/.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Silge, Julia, David Robinson, and Jim Hester. 2016. “Tidytext: Tidytext v0.1.1.” doi:10.5281/ZENODO.56714.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Statista. 2024. “Women’s Apparel: Market Data & Analysis.” https://www.statista.com/study/48856/women-s-apparel-market-data-and-analysis/?utm_source=chatgpt.com (January 23, 2025).
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Stauffer, Brian. 2022. “Obsessed with Audit Tools, Missing the Goal - Why Social Audits Can’t Fix Labor Rights Abuses in Global Supply Chains.” https://www.hrw.org/report/2022/11/15/obsessed-audit-tools-missing-goal/why-social-audits-cant-fix-labor-rights-abuses (January 26, 2025).
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Talent Solutions. 2024. “Diversity Comes To The Fashion Industry.” Manpower Group. https://www.mpgtalentsolutions.com/en/insights/articles/diversity-comes-to-the-fashion-industry (January 24, 2025).
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Tarnovskaya, Veronika, Sara Melén Hånell, and Daniel Tolstoy. 2022. “Proactive Corporate Sustainability via Social Innovation—A Case Study of the Hennes & Mauritz Grand Challenge in Bangladesh.” Sustainability 14(2): 599. doi:10.3390/su14020599.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Tent. 2016. “Tent Organization.” https://www.tent.org/ (February 3, 2025).
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Thakker, Alka Madhukar, and Danmei Sun. 2023. “Sustainable Development Goals for Textiles and Fashion.” Environmental Science and Pollution Research 30(46): 101989–9. doi:10.1007/s11356-023-29453-1.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
UN Guiding principles. 2017. How Can Businesses Impact Human Rights? United Nations. https://www.ungpreporting.org/resources/how-businesses-impact-human-rights/ (January 30, 2025).
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
United Nations. 1948. “Universal Declaration of Human Rights.” https://www.un.org/en/about-us/universal-declaration-of-human-rights (January 23, 2025).
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
United Nations. 2000. Business and Human Rights: A Progress Report. Switzerland. https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/Documents/Publications/BusinessHRen.pdf (January 29, 2025).
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
United Nations. 2023. The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2023. United Nations. https://unstats.un.org/sdgs/report/2023/The-Sustainable-Development-Goals-Report-2023.pdf (January 22, 2025).
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Wadham, Caroline. 2022. “Fashion CEO Hires ‘Predominantly Male’ in 2021.” Drapers. https://www.drapersonline.com/news/fashion-opts-for-experienced-ceos (January 23, 2025).
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Wang, Connie. 2019. “The Real Story Behind H&M’s Racist Monkey Sweatshirt.” https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2019/07/237347/h-m-racist-hoodie-controversy-diversity-problem (January 27, 2025).
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Winkler, Anne E. 2022. “Women’s Labor Force Participation.” IZA World of Labor. doi:10.15185/izawol.289.v2.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/picbe-2025-0023 | Journal eISSN: 2558-9652

Journal RSS Feed

Language: English

Page range: 257 - 276

Published on: Jul 24, 2025

Published by: Bucharest University of Economic Studies

In partnership with: Paradigm Publishing Services

Publication frequency: 1 issue per year

Keywords:

Related subjects:

Business and economics,

Political economics,

Political economics, other,

Business management,

Business management, other,

Industrial chemistry,

Energy harvesting and conversion

© 2025 Florentina-Mădălina Perevoznic, Voicu-Dan Dragomir, published by Bucharest University of Economic Studies
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 License.

Previous article Volume 19 (2025): Issue 1 (July 2025)Next article