RT Article T1 The Social Clause in Trade Treaties: Implications for International Firms JF Journal of business ethics VO 29 IS 4 SP 379 OP 389 A1 Sanyal, Rajib N. LA English PB Springer Science + Business Media B. V YR 2001 UL https://www.ixtheo.de/Record/1785615416 AB Various advocacy groups and primarily domestic-focused firms in developed countries have been pushing governments to include a "social clause" in trade treaties with less developed countries. Such a clause is designed to link trading access to markets in developed countries with improvements in working conditions in poor nations. The implications of such a clause for internationally-focused firms and how managers can effectively deal with human rights issues in their foreign operations are examined. Various constituencies in this debate are identified and an integrated response system on the part of firms is presented. It is suggested that the best policy for firms to adopt would be to acknowledge the relevance of the social clause in today's global economy and work closely with the various advocacy groups to ensure continuing public support while avoiding overly restrictive clauses in international trading agreements. K1 Global Economy K1 International Trading K1 Response System K1 Develop Country K1 Economic Growth DO 10.1023/A:1010746913159