Knitted together : a phenomenological study of managers' perspectives on ESG and workforce retention in Vietnam's apparel manufacturing industry | |
| Author | Hoang Thuy Khanh Doan |
| Call Number | AIT Proj. no.PM-ESG-26-11 |
| Subject(s) | Social responsibility of business--Vietnam Sustainable development--Vietnam Clothing trade--Vietnam |
| Note | A project report submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Professional Master in ESG (Environment-Social-Governance) Management |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | Employee retention has been discussed as a critical organizational challenge, yet its dynamics remain underexplored in labor intensive industries such as apparel manufacturing, particularly in Vietnam. This thesis examines the intersection of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices, human resource management (HRM) strategies, psychological safety, and organizational pride, with a specific focus on the role of managers in shaping retention outcomes. Adopting a phenomenological approach, the study investigates the lived experiences of managers who act as pivotal agents in translating ESG policies into operational practices. It addresses key gaps in literature, including the limited regional focus, the underrepresentation of managerial perspectives, and the overlooked mediating roles of psychological safety and organizational pride in retention models. Situated within Vietnam’s unique labor market characterized by high turnover driven by seasonal migration, wage pressures, and cultural factors. The research provides both contextual relevance and theoretical expansion.Findings demonstrate that authentically embedded ESG initiatives foster psychological safety by promoting inclusive communication, fair treatment, and trust, while simultaneously strengthening organizational pride through visible commitments to ethical and sustainable practices. Managers perceive psychological safety and organizational pride as critical mediators linking ESG policy to employee loyalty. However, persistent gaps between policy design and frontline execution constrain the full potential of ESG to enhance retention. This study contributes to retention theory by integrating ESG, psychological safety, and organizational pride as interconnected constructs mediated by managerial agency. Practically, it offers actionable insights for managers, HR leaders, and policymakers to design ESG-aligned retention strategies that move beyond compliance toward sustainable workforce stability. By bridging global ESG frameworks with localized management realities, the thesis advances both academic discourse and practical applications in Vietnam’s apparel industry manufacturing that remains central to the national economy and global supply chains. |
| Year | 2026 |
| Type | Project |
| School | School of Management |
| Department | Other Field of Studies (No Department) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Professional Master in Environment, Social & Government Managment (PMESG) |
| Chairperson(s) | Ransom, Lakeesha K. |
| Examination Committee(s) | Endress, Tobias;Brubaker, Richard |
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