Running Head: UNDERAGE WORKERS 1 UNDERAGE WORKERS 5 OUTLINE FOR FINAL PAPER MUST USE ALL OF THIS AND WRITE ABOUT THIS TOPIC Underage Workers and Multinational Business Activities Most businesses appreciate that this is the age of globalization. Indeed, managements of various organizations tend to include the aspect of going global in their strategic planning. With globalization, it has become possible to market products made, say, in the United States to various markets all over the world. “Likewise, it is now possible for multinationals to source their labor from the developing world, and this is especially since the company overheads are relatively low.” (Kana, Phoumin, & Seiichi, 2010) Companies such as Nike, Inc. are able to devolve some of the non-specialized activities to their holdings and business associates in countries like Cambodia and Ethiopia. These activities include the manufacturing as well as marketing of products at hand. In a significant number of developing nations, the activities of many multinationals are overlooked. “This is the case since the governments in question are more concerned about the advantages of foreign direct investments than with matters such as the law and ethics.” (Gibney &Skogly, 2012) The Legal Structures in Developing Countries versus Developed Countries Developing countries have weak legal, political, and moral structures; and this means that dishonest organizations may exploit the loopholes for their own selfish gains. The ambiguity and inadequacy in law has actually been exploited by organizations like Nike, Inc. for instance, Nike has for long being accused of dealing with organizations which engage in child labor. Child labor appeals since the children ask for wages which are relatively lower that what could be demanded by the adults. Furthermore, they barely know their rights, i.e. the rights of the workers. “In that case, they tend to be over-exploited and over-worked uncomplainingly.” (Aras &Crowther, 2011; Brickell, 2011) In the developed world, the law is clear. Indeed, the law is strictly observed. “Any deviance results into hefty fines and/or even lengthy jail terms. In the United States, for instance, numerous rules and statutes regulate the engagement of minors in the labor force.” (Kline, 2010) Generally, employers outside the agricultural industry are not expected to hire children who are under the age of 14 years. Those who are between the ages of 14 and 16 years may be employed for a limited number of hours, but this must involve the consent of their parents or guardians. “Those between the age of 16 and 18 years may be engaged for an unlimited number of hours, as long as the roles in question are not hazardous.” (Timmerman, 2012) The above scenario indicates that in countries such as the United States, Britain, and France, there are clear regulations; and organizations, parents, and even the children in question are able to see and differentiate what is legal f.