ABSTRACT
Companies have recognized the need to incorporate such monitoring processes into the structure of the company. The reasons for companies to position themselves as socially responsible can be quite varied—ranging from mere considerations of risk management to philanthropically oriented business management. In 2003, the Foreign Trade Association (FTA) in Brussels, representing the interests of importing European retailers, initiated the Business Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI). The BSCI's central decision-making body is the Members Assembly. The BSCI features six committees to address major decisions. BSCI's Supervisory Board controls the implementation of the commitment and, if need be, proposes to the Members Assembly the suspension of members. The training of buyers is of major importance to the BSCI, since here is the concrete interface between European trading (or importing) companies and suppliers.
