Empirical business research on modern slavery in supply chains: A systematic review

Modern slavery is a persistent global practice, with an estimated 50 million people trapped in one of its many forms today. In the last decade, attention has shifted to how business facilitates modern slavery and plays a key role in eliminating it from its operations and supply chains. The purpose of this study is to provide a rigorous foundation for scholarly and practice-oriented research by systematically reviewing and synthesising the existing literature to identify key areas for future empirical business research on modern slavery in supply chains. Examination of 26 relevant studies provides an evidence base for future research and theory development to guide practice in addressing modern slavery in supply chains. The findings indicate that empirical business research on modern slavery is an emerging area of inquiry. To drive the global anti-modern slavery agenda, more empirical business research is needed that integrates the social, technological, and legal systems.

Automated summary

Modern slavery, with an estimated 50 million people trapped, is a persistent global practice. In recent years, attention has shifted to the role of business in facilitating and eliminating modern slavery in supply chains. This study aims to provide a foundation for future empirical business research on modern slavery in supply chains by reviewing and synthesizing existing literature. The findings suggest that more empirical research integrating social, technological, and legal systems is needed to drive the global anti-modern slavery agenda.