An article in the New York Times (December 28,2012) describes Apple’s hiring of over 30 people in their social responsibility unit, alliances with employee advocacy groups like the Dutch Sustainability Trade Initiative and pressure on suppliers to comply with fair practices. Apple has also committed to provide monthly data regarding supplier audits. But should these costs be borne by suppliers or by Apple? Should these costs be passed on to customers as higher prices ? How will such demands for direct oversight and compliance with local laws impact global supply chain management and its competitiveness ?