Branded but exploited : labor conditions of sanitation workers in internationally funded development projects in Pakistan
Khalid, Rida (2025)
2025
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025112028888
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025112028888
Tiivistelmä
The study is influenced by The Bad Project whose agenda is taking critical no-tions for underrepresented dimensions of failure, working, fragmentation and humanitarian grounds. The focus on “Bad” and “Dirty” realities of working condi-tions or evaluations including those left incomplete and sidelined. The initiated hosted by Tampere University.
Therefore, this thesis reveals the disconnection between globally brand image of international development projects and the true or lived realities of sanitation workers in region Punjab, Pakistan. The workers engage in the completion of these projects and are responsible for the successful implementation. Their con-tributions are most essential yet most invisible and under vulnerable conditions.
Focusing on Human Resource practices and leadership dynamics, the study entails how these frontliners experience labour conditions in projects managed and funded by international recognized institutions, NGOs especially that comes under hygiene, WASH or urban sanitation programs.
A qualitative study approach involving document analysis and interviews, enable research to investigate the gap between officially stated values e.g. equality, fairness and inclusion and the unfortunate precarity faced by workers on the field. Moreover, a special attention will be given to how leadership strategies, structures and branding affect visibility, recognition and well-being of low-tier la-bours (sanitation workers).
The study emphasizes for critical considerations in international business and management by pointing out the ethical challenges of cross-cultural labour rights in the developmental sector. It portrays the need of rock-solid HR practices and inclusivity without influence from funders who should be accountable for local workers. Therefore, give raise to the voice of low-tier labour community offering insights for NGOs, donors and policy makers.
Therefore, this thesis reveals the disconnection between globally brand image of international development projects and the true or lived realities of sanitation workers in region Punjab, Pakistan. The workers engage in the completion of these projects and are responsible for the successful implementation. Their con-tributions are most essential yet most invisible and under vulnerable conditions.
Focusing on Human Resource practices and leadership dynamics, the study entails how these frontliners experience labour conditions in projects managed and funded by international recognized institutions, NGOs especially that comes under hygiene, WASH or urban sanitation programs.
A qualitative study approach involving document analysis and interviews, enable research to investigate the gap between officially stated values e.g. equality, fairness and inclusion and the unfortunate precarity faced by workers on the field. Moreover, a special attention will be given to how leadership strategies, structures and branding affect visibility, recognition and well-being of low-tier la-bours (sanitation workers).
The study emphasizes for critical considerations in international business and management by pointing out the ethical challenges of cross-cultural labour rights in the developmental sector. It portrays the need of rock-solid HR practices and inclusivity without influence from funders who should be accountable for local workers. Therefore, give raise to the voice of low-tier labour community offering insights for NGOs, donors and policy makers.