Confronting modern slavery: A contribution to the International Business community concerning Multinational Enterprises’ responses

Abstract

Modern slavery is one of the most extreme evils and human rights abuses in recorded history. The International Business literature has largely avoided the subject of slavery. This exploratory study examines how some multinational enterprises (MNEs) confront modern slavery. I have reviewed 139 articles related to modern slavery and MNEs and conducted 12 semi-structured interviews with experts in the area of MNEs and slavery to investigate how MNEs confront slavery. I found a variety of themes around MNE responses, such as collaboration and targeted auditing. I present insights for International Business scholars to better understand how MNEs confront slavery, concluding with relevant implications for MNE managers and directions for future research.