Capital Inflows and Working Children in Developing Countries: An Empirical Approach
Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
Kechagia and Metaxas used a panel data analysis to investigate the interaction between FDI inflows and child labor. The results demonstrated the unidirectional causal relationship between FDI to child labor and FDI to trade openness. The article is properly designed and structured. Results are clearly presented. However, I am concerned about the significance and contributions of this research. It is better to add a future research section to illustrate how this research can be leveraged to further investigate the issue. It is also recommended to add results and research findings to the abstract section.
Author Response
Dear reviewer
Thank you for your comments. This is our reponse
Authors
Author Response File: 
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Reviewer 2 Report
The theme is relevant and the research is original. Yet, the paper shows some limitations in theoretical framework, discussion and conclusions that warrant further consideration and revision. Please take my comments as suggestions for improvement.
Introduction
The introduction is well constructed because it highlights the contribution of the research. The text effectively introduces the topic of the research, explains how it relates to prior literature, and how the study advances current knowledge. It clarifies the problem dealt by this research, i.e., what is the gap in our current understanding, and it explains what is the solution you are proposing i.e., how you are going to fill this gap.
Theoretical framework
The analysis of the literature is well developed.
However, the propositions should be systematized. We also invite the authors to clarify the conceptual model in one figure with integrated hypotheses. Without this base, the main ideas currently remain somehow disconnected and it is difficult to identify a clear line of arguments synthesizing these various ideas and literature into an overall framework. This approach will allow you to clarify the theoretical framework you are developing. It will also allow other researchers to more easily build upon and test your model through subsequent studies.
Method
The method is adequately described in terms of sample selection, data collection and data analysis.
Results
The results of the inquiry are presented.
However, we invite the authors to develop the discussion of results based upon proposition construction and conceptual model clarified in theoretical framework. Further, to better support the discussion, we also invite the authors to include a table that systematize findings.
Conclusions
The conclusions are supported by the results.
However, the conclusions will benefit with clarifications and systematization suggested in previous sections regarding propositions and discussion. Also the conclusions of your manuscript should discuss in more detail the implications of your research for theory development, and should acknowledge the limitations of the research and include suggestions for future research.
Author Response
Dear reviewer
Thank you for your comments. This is our response
Authors
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 3 Report
The research should put forward some hypotheses, based on literature review, in order to be tested through the model. The conclusions section might be extended with further research proposal.
Author Response
Dear reviewer
Thank you for your comments
This is our response
Authors
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 4 Report
The topic per se is very interesting and the authors have done a reasonable job of conducting the empirical work. However, it has potential to become more interesting.
My major concerns are listed below.
1. The authors need to present in a more clear way the contribution of this research, given the large body of existing literature on this topic. My question: what is novel?
2. The manuscript inscribed nicely using good communication skill and easy to understand by the audience.
3. The number of sources as cited and their relevance to the study are fine based on the scope and title of the manuscript.
4. The author(s) need to work more on the section methodology and make it understandable. Which are the advantages of employed methodology compared to other techniques?
5. The empirical analysis although interesting, lack the interpretation and economic meaning. I would strongly suggest that the authors add more intuitive explanation.
6. The conclusion section is the one section that needs the little revision. How can these findings really advance future studies?
Author Response
Dear reviewer
Thank you for your comments. This is our response
Authors
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 5 Report
- The paper is interesting, as it attempts to empirically investigate the interaction of FDI inflows and child labor in developing countries, using a panel data analysis.
- The authors’ approach is innovative.
- More specifically, this paper is scientifically sound, and the research design is valid.
- The ethics statement is adequate.
- The references are relevant.
- Novelty: The manuscript is novel, and advances adequately the knowledge.
- The paper fits the scope of the journal.
- The significance of the paper is high enough.
- The quality of the paper is good enough, as it has been written appropriately.
- Scientific soundness is also adequate.
- This manuscript will be interesting for the readers.
- The overall merit is positive, the publication will bring about benefits in knowledge.
- The manuscript may be accepted with minor revisions.
- In the second paragraph of Introduction “International … minor employees“ a reference regarding the international organizations‘ position on child labor is needed.
- Authors might take into consideration the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and ILO Codes of Conduct for Multinational Companies.
- Line 39: There may be a mistake (“in several factors” , the authors is likely to mean “in several sectors”.
- Lastly, the authors could add in the perspectives for future research the possible relation between child labor and the nature of FDI (greenfield or brownfield investment)
Author Response
Dear reviewer
Thank you for your comments. This is our response
Authors
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Round 2
Reviewer 2 Report
This version of the paper is much better. Well done.
Introduction
The introduction is well constructed.
Theoretical framework
The analysis of the literature is well developed.
The propositions are systematized.
Method
The method is adequately described in terms of sample selection, data collection and data analysis.
Results
The results of the inquiry are presented based upon proposition construction and conceptual model clarified in theoretical framework.
Conclusions
The conclusions are supported by the results, discuss the implications of your research for theory development, acknowledge the limitations of the research and include suggestions for future research.
Author Response
Dear reviewer
Thank you for your comments. We really try to satisfy all the requirements and to present our paper as you see.
All the best
Authors
