From principles to practice: Responsible Business Conduct among Malaysian electrical and electronics and automotive enterprises

This booklet summarizes case studies on responsible business conduct (RBC) among Malaysian enterprises in the electrical and electronics (E&E) and automotive sectors. The study was conducted in collaboration with the Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) to examine industry practices and perspectives on RBC and human rights due diligence (HRDD).

Based on qualitative interviews with enterprises in the electrical and electronics (E&E) and automotive sectors in Malaysia, the cases highlight practical examples of how enterprises are implementing RBC in areas such as employment practices, social dialogue, skills development, and how RBC is institutionalized into their day-to-day operations. The study also explores the benefits enterprises experience from adopting RBC including improved workforce retention, operational efficiency and stronger brand reputation, as well as practical challenges they face. The findings demonstrate how companies are translating the principles of the ILO Tripartite Declaration of Principles concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy (MNE Declaration) into concrete workplace practices that promote decent work and sustainable business operations.

This study was conducted under the ILO project “Building Responsible Value Chains in Asia through the Promotion of Decent Work in Business Operations – Phase II (RVC-II)”, funded by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), Japan.