Recent attention on enforcing labor standards by the International Labor Organization and policymakers suggests its necessity to improve organizational performance and retain workers’ rights to stand fast in the global supply chain. Despite having international labor standards, some employers perceive their own labor standards. Yet less attention has been directed toward developing labor standards perceived by employers’ scale. The present study covers this gap and demonstrates several validity aspects in developing labor standards perceived by employers’ scale.
This study considered mix-method approach with different sample sizes. Data collected from the ready-made garments sector in Bangladesh through surveys, in-depth interviews and semi-structured interviews. Study 1 (N = 200, N = 223, N = 230) conducted exploratory factor analysis and correlation analysis; Study 2 (N = 718) conducted confirmatory factor analysis, reliability and construct validity; and Study 3 (N = 208) conducted multilevel regression analysis.
Study 1 generated 61 items from employer interviews and expert opinions. Exploratory factor analysis extracted a 20-item scale with five factors. Pilot test refined the items. In Study 2, the confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the five-factor model. The scale demonstrated strong reliability and construct validity, with expected correlations with related constructs. In Study 3, the multilevel regression indicated the scale significantly predicted outcomes.
The study conceptualizes labor standards perceived by employers and develops a new scale. The authors provide new insights into the labor standards area and offer a valuable tool for researchers and practitioners aiming to evaluate labor standards enforcement in workplace.
