Modern slavery, labour exploitation, and human trafficking in global supply chains: a systematic literature network analysis and integrative framework

Justine Marty

International Journal of Development Issues, 2026, vol. 25, issue 3, 246-273

Abstract: PurposeThis paper aims to explore literature on modern slavery, labour exploitation and human trafficking in global supply chains to understand why these issues remain persistent and complex despite widespread interventions. It aims to develop an integrative framework that maps the fragmented intellectual landscape and identifies strategic leverage points for transformational change beyond compliance-driven approaches.Design/methodology/approachA systematic literature network analysis (SLNA) was conducted on 289 peer-reviewed articles, combining bibliometric co-citation analysis with qualitative content analysis. This dual approach enabled structural mapping of the research field through clustering algorithms and detailed thematic synthesis. The methodology identified four major bibliometric clusters and ten thematic categories, revealing interconnections and fragmentation across the literature.FindingsThe analysis identifies four major clusters: modern slavery and labour exploitation; sustainable supply chain management and social responsibility; codes of conduct and corporate social responsibility legitimacy; and global governance and critical narratives. These intersect with ten thematic categories including compliance, governance, transparency, risk and technological enablers. The framework reveals misalignment between regulatory responses, managerial practices and governance mechanisms that perpetuates exploitation.Originality/valueThis study advances SLNA application to supply chain ethics research, offering a replicable methodological protocol. The integrative framework provides strategic orientation for organizations, policymakers and researchers, exposing critical gaps in current approaches and identifying transformational intervention points that address structural drivers of exploitation rather than merely managing compliance obligations.

Keywords: Modern slavery; Labour exploitation; Human trafficking; Supply chain; Systematic literature network analysis (SLNA) (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eme:ijdipp:ijdi-02-2026-0074

DOI: 10.1108/IJDI-02-2026-0074

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