Ceasing Levi Strauss Operations in China

This research examines the decision by Levi Strauss & Co. to cease its operation in China. The decision was made in 1993; however, the process of disengaging the company from China was scheduled to occur over several years in a phased shutdown of operations in the country. The findings of this case analysis are presented in discussions of (1) the major issues involved in the company's decision, together with a statement of this writer's position on the company's decision, and (2) a theoretical justification of the writer's position on the company's decision. The final section of the case analysis presents a set of recommendations for firms based in the United States which, in the future, may be in positions similar to that of Levi Strauss & Co. in 1993.

Major Issues Involved in the Company's Decision to Cease Operations in China, and This Writer's Position on the Company's Decision

The most salient issues of controversy in this case are identified first. Following this issue identification, this writer's position on the decision of Levi Strauss & Co. to cease operations in China is stated.

Salient Controversial Issues Involved in the Company's Decision to Cease Operations in China

Levi Strauss & Co. determined to its own satisfaction that human rights abuses were clear and pervasive in China. This determination was made within the context of the definition of human rights accepted by the company. The charges against China according to Levi Strauss & Co. were as f

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on human rights. Kausikan by contrast, holds that the Universal Declaration represents a consensus that is quite narrow in scope that includes opposition to genocide, murder, torture, and slavery. This narrow consensus, however, does not extend to capital punishment, detention without trial, and some curbs on press freedom. In fact, according to Kausikan, the majority of the population in many Asian societies approve of such actions because they value order and good government more so than the Western ethos of individualism. Neier rejects this argument, pointing to the capitalist barons of Hong Kong as examples of individualists in Asian societies. Neier's arguments are somewhat shallow and appear to reject the concept that differing societal values may be equally valid. Advocates of Western intervention in the pursuit of human rights and other goals fulfill their roles in the conduct of international relations by applying pressures on national governments. These pressures are applied through the mobilization of transnational public opinion, which, in turn, is mobilized through the publication of activities which national governments would usually prefer to keep secret, or, at least, to ignore. Kausikan contends th

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