This study finds no evidence that improving compensation and health & safety heightens risk of plant closure – and that improving compensation may actually increase plant survival.

Unauthorized subcontracting in apparel factories occurs more frequently when previous orders were subcontracted, buyers exert pricing pressure, a brand is not well known, and lead times are longer.

Buyers monitor and try to improve their suppliers’ labor standards via auditing, capacity building, and government advocacy. What are the tradeoffs - and how can each method be deployed more effectively?

Strengthening worker voice and incorporating worker feedback into supplier remediation plans led to improvements in other labor standard compliance areas including worker safety, wage practices, and training programs.

Making factories’ audit results publicly available in Cambodia increased compliance with some aspects of labor standards including emergency preparedness and paying bonus compensation.

Suppliers improve working conditions more after pre-announced audits conducted by highly-trained auditors, and when they—or their buyers —face greater exposé risk for problematic supply chain working conditions.