Download Lithuania

Kayla Van Boxtel
Waterford Union High School
Committee: Strengthening Financing in Humanitarian Aid
Topic: Strengthening the Connection between Business and Humanitarianism
Country: Lithuania
In the “instant age” where globalization rapidly increases with technological advances, many
smaller countries struggle to meet the ceaseless consumer demand for countless products. Because
of a wide variety of economic and environmental restraints, the majority of these nations are
otherwise unable to produce the desired products domestically. Therefore, small countries must
import these products, outsource them, or employ a combination of both in order to obtain
manufactured goods. Unfortunately, production often takes place globally in unregulated factories
which are highly detrimental to workers’ welfare, violating the International Declaration of Human
Rights. Lithuania appreciates the economic benefit of outsourcing, but is also aware of the
damaging repercussions to human life. As such, Lithuania has taken several measures to ensure
stable, humane, economic growth.
In the nearly three decades since Lithuanian independence from Russia in the early 1990s,
Lithuanian leaders have taken advantage of the country’s otherwise disadvantageous landscape by
outsourcing for other countries, making sure the workplaces remain safe, productive, and humane.
Lithuania has since increased its productivity massively by serving as an outsourcing oasis,
especially in technological fields such as Microsoft. Chastising businesses who outsource to
countries which unethically “employ” workers in an appalling and brutal fashion, Lithuania
instead, provides an employment environment in which employees not only enjoy their work, but
look forward to it. Within Lithuania’s outsourcing sites, the quality of life for workers increases
both inside and outside of the workplace. By ensuring a safe, steady environment, workers’ health
increases as well as their productivity. In turn, the economy advances further, as does the workers’
morale.
Lithuania’s complicated relationship with its neighbors has hindered economic growth for the past
few centuries. However, with the advent of the country’s independence, its centuries-old tradition
of philanthropy dating to the beginning of its recorded history has become more prevalent in the
business world. Numerous well-known and respected Lithuanian companies dealing with raw
materials have become stable enough for generous philanthropy. Additionally, copious amounts
of state-run enterprises have become privatized, which has interestingly led to an increase in giving
to those in need as well. Lithuanian charities include the relief of migrant workers fleeing from
turmoil in their home countries, many of whom would be destined for work in an outsourcing post
had they come to a country which is not as concerned with worker’s well-being. Lithuania
recognizes the ever-present need for improvement, but considering its tumultuous history between
Russia and relatively recent independence, there have been astronomical advances in the working
and living conditions of Lithuanian workers. From here on out, the connection between business
and humanitarianism can only grow stronger.
Works Cited
Lithuania: Country Overview. (2016). In World Geography: Understanding a Changing World.
Retrieved March 1, 2016, from http://worldgeography.abc-clio.com/
(n.d.). Retrieved March 01, 2016, from https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-worldfactbook/geos/lh.html
Siepmann, F. (2013). Managing Risk and Security in Outsourcing IT Services: Onshore,
Offshore and the Cloud. CRC Press.
Outsourcing to Lithuania | Clutch.co. (n.d.). Retrieved February 28, 2016, from
https://clutch.co/outsourcing-location/lithuania