ISO 26000 not only adds values to the existing work on social responsibility, but also expands the understanding and implementation of social responsibility by:
+ Developing an international consensus on what social responsibility is and social responsibility shows what organizations need;
+ Providing guidance on the principles conveyed into effective actions;
+ Adjusting the best implemented practises and spreading information internationally for the benefit of community.
What is ISO 26000?
ISO 26000 is an international standard published by the International Organization for Standardization (known as ISO) giving guidance on social responsibility. It will be applied to organizations of all types, in both public and personal sectors, in the developed countries and developing countries, as well as the transitioning economies. It will support them in their efforts to implement socially responsible growing demand of the society.
ISO 26000 consists of voluntary guidelines, not requirements, and therefore it is not used as a certification standard like ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 14001:2008.
* ISO 26000 roles?
Sustainable business activities of the organization that is providing not only products and services but also satisfying customers needs, while ensuring no harm to the environment, which operates based on the responsibilities to the society.
Pressure from customers, governments, associations and the public throughout. At the same time, the visionary leader of the organization found that long-term success must be based on the reliable activities and prevent frauds and labour exploitation.
On the other hand, there have been some claims on high-level principles relating to social responsibility, as well as the programs and initiatives of individual social responsibility. The challenge is how to put these principles into action and then how to make social responsibility in an effective way to understand that the "What is Corporate Social Responsibility" is still defined in many different concepts. Moreover, previous initiatives tend to focus on the concept of “Corporate social responsibility”, while ISO 26000 will provide guidance on social responsibility not only for the organization, but also for the public sector in all forms.
ISO 26000 distils knowledge related to global social responsibility and what organizations need to do to implement social responsibility.
* ISO 26000 benefits?
ISO 26000 will help all types of organizations - regardless of size , location or activity - perform social responsibilities by providing guidance on :
+ Concepts, terms and conditions relating to social responsibility;
+ Background, trends and characteristics of social responsibility;
+ The principles and practices related to social responsibility;
+ Objects and core issues related to social responsibility;
+ Built-in, implement and promote responsible behaviours through social institutions and policies as well as organized activities within its influence;
+ Identify and attract the participation of stakeholders;
+ Information on commitments, the performance and other information related to social responsibility.
* ISO 26000 and job relevant?
Guidelines of ISO 26000 standards provide best practices, which was developed from ideas about social responsibility of both public sector and private sector. It conforms with and complements the published and relevant conventions of the UN and its institutions, especially the International Labour Organization (ILO) - ISO agency that has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to ensure consistency with ILO labour standards. ISO has also signed a memorandum of understanding with the Office of the Global Compact of the United Nations (UNGCO) and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) to strengthen their cooperation in the development of ISO 26000 standards.
* ISO 26000 achievability?
ISO 26000 integrated the core issues of international social responsibility - this means organizations need to show the problems to implement social responsibility, and what is the best practice to implement social responsibility. ISO 26000 will be the strongest supportive tool for organizations to transform ideas to effective action.
In addition, you can refer for more information about ISO 26000 Standards at:
www.iso.org/sr_archives.