A multi-stakeholder initiative in the Dutch garment industry: Discovering the motivations of businesses, NGOs and the government to participate in the Dutch Agreement on Sustainable Garments and Textile

Abstract

Why do different stakeholders participate in multi-stakeholder initiatives? This question has only been partially answered in existing literature, as the main focus is on motivations of businesses and a holistic picture is missing. Nevertheless, Multi-Stakeholder Initiatives (MSIs), in which different stakeholders work together to gain a mutual benefit, are necessary because globalization of supply chains of clothing companies makes it increasingly difficult to address social and environmental issues. The aim of this study was to gain insight into the motivations of businesses, business associations, and NGOs to participate in a Dutch MSI; the Agreement on Sustainable Garments and Textile. This study found different motivations for the different stakeholders. It appeared that businesses motivate their decision by a desire to receive information, tooling and support, a desire to realize impact, an intrinsic motivation, increased reputation, a response to pressure, and a desire to stimulate others. The business associations participated in order to improve the image of the sector, create impact and supporting companies. Finally, the NGOs participated in order to create awareness and realize impact. These findings contribute to the knowledge about CSR and MSIs in particular and have various practical implications for the AGT steering committee.