Ethical Dimensions in Sustainable Fashion Design Practice: Analysis of the Garment Industry in Ghana

Purpose: This study explores the ethical dimensions of fashion design practice in Ghana, focusing on consumer views and garment producers’ perceptions of work ethics. The objectives include identifying consumer and producer views on environmentally-related ethics, ascertaining social-related ethics, assessing economic-related ethics, and assessing the relationship between garment producers and consumers’ views on the importance of work ethics in fashion design practice. The research aims to address ethical issues in the industry. Design/Methodology/Approach: This research employs a cross-sectional survey design in the Cape Coast metropolis to investigate ethical dimensions in fashion design, targeting garment producers and consumers. Data collection involves simple random sampling for consumers and stratified random sampling for producers. The study examines the relationship between educational background and ethical perceptions within these groups, utilizing a structured questionnaire with closed-ended and Likert-scale items, as well as open-ended questions. The combined quantitative and qualitative approach aims to comprehensively understand ethical considerations in the local context of Ghana and potential differences from developed countries. Findings: The study highlights ethical issues in the garment production industry, including increased clothing waste, social issues like imperfect fit, dishonesty, poor construction, lack of fire extinguishers, unprofessionalism, and an unattractive working environment. Economically, workers are paid on piece rate, but transparency boosts satisfaction. A weak correlation exists between producers and consumers on work ethics’ importance in fashion design. Research Limitation/Implications: The focused of the study is on the ethical dimensions of fashion design practice in Ghana and explored the relationship between consumer views and garment producers’ perceptions of the importance of work ethics. Practical implication: This paper has potential implications for raising awareness among garment producers and consumers about the ethical aspects of their production practices and clothing choices respectively. Social Implication: The study's findings could lead to improvements in the working conditions of garment industry workers in Ghana. Ethical considerations might prompt businesses to provide fair wages, safe working environments, and other benefits, enhancing the livelihoods of workers. Originality/Value: This study is based on ethics in the production and consumption of garments.