Private Regulation as a Tool for Supporting Low-Wage Workers
February 1, 2022
OVERVIEW
It does not take a policy wonk or Beltway insider to know that change in public policy is often slow and incremental even with the hard work of advocates. While progress is slow, low-wage workers and their families continue to struggle. However, private regulation – voluntary efforts by private sector companies to define or restrain their behaviors using some or all the elements of regulation – can help effect change.
For advocates, understanding why and how companies voluntarily take these stances is critical to shape strategies for private influence. Public Private Strategies, with support from The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, set out to better understand private regulation as a tool to advance policies that benefit the health and well-being of low-wage workers.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
The report identifies three ways that private regulation can influence policy outcomes related to workers:
- Shaping policy by informing the content of governmental law or regulation.
- Persuading peers and stakeholders with corporate leadership that drives larger change.
- Inform, influence, and mobilize consumers to act and spend in ways that support workers.
METHODOLOGY
This report is based on existing academic analysis, an examination of private regulation, and interviews with leaders across business and academia. We also hosted a convening of leaders representing large corporations, advocates, philanthropy, and academics to test hypotheses and generate insights.
IN PARTNERSHIP
Support for this project was provided by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
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