Ethical sourcing strategies: how can a mid-size company implement and benefit from ethical sourcing?

This thesis develops a conceptual framework of ethical sourcing strategies for mid-sized apparel brands. It does so by analyzing the social and environmental impact of the global apparel industry and by applying the best global practices to the business environment of mid-sized companies. For the main research method was selected a qualitative study based on expert interviews with senior managers of Czech mid-size apparel brands, as well as an expert interview with a senior manager of a global sourcing agency. The thesis describes sourcing strategies of mid-size apparel brands, their ethical dimensions and compares them with sourcing strategies of global apparel companies. Based on relevant literature sources combined with the interview findings, the thesis designs a framework describing six internal and external factors that mid-size apparel brands can implement in order to source ethically.