Guidance on Social Responsibility: ISO 26000

Guidance on Social Responsibility: ISO 26000 concludes a definition of what it means to

be a socially responsible organization and why do companies need to adopt to such disposition.
This standard allows common language and highlights key areas of impact. In ISO 26000, social
responsibility is defined as an all-round approach that quality is of the essence to all aspects of
conducting a business. As stated in ISO 26000, social responsibility is not merely a “nullifying”
action to which you can apply needed changes to the end product and simply replace what is
needed to be fixed. Relatively, it shall be seen as a dynamic mentality that should be embodied
across all levels of planning, implementation, and stakeholder engagement.

ISO 26000 recognizes that the application of social responsibility is deemed intricate.
There are distinct unique variables such as clashing priorities, cultural diversities, environmental
and social issues that can create a cloud picture of what is regarded a “right” action. Moreover,
the standard is clear for what it’s worth. A complex situation should not be used as a mere
excuse for non-compliance and so companies are expected to act in good faith at all times.
Hence, the application of the seven principles of socially responsible behavior must be observed.
These encompasses the following: accountability, transparency, ethical behavior, respect for
stakeholder interests, respect for the rule of law, respect for international norms of behavior, and
respect for human rights.

Accountability: An organization is responsible to all its stakeholders (internal and external), as

well as to the entire society as a whole. Meaning to say, the organization is also liable to its
overall influence to the society’s welfare and the effects of its decisions and activities.

Transparency: The organization is presumed to disclose its policies, decisions, and activities
that can possibly impact the general welfare of the society in the most comprehensible and
precise manner to avoid conflicts that might happen in the future.

Ethical Behavior: Ethics, being of high importance in all aspects of life, should also be properly
regarded. The behavior of the organization should be grounded on honesty and integrity. Proper
practice of ethics also helps in decision-making processes to arrive at the soundest decisions.
Respect for Stakeholder Interests: As the organization value the welfare of its stakeholders,
their rights, claims, and other known interests must be taken into consideration.

Respect for the Rule of Law: An organization is to fulfill strict compliance of all applicable
laws and regulations. It is expected that the people inside the organization are obliged to perform
proper observation and execute necessary measures.

Respect for International Norms of Behavior: An organization is bound to respect

international norms of behavior without compromising the principle of respect for the rule of
law. An organization is encouraged not to be silent on issues that involve wrongdoings.

Respect for Human Rights: An organization regards and cultivates the rights set forward in the
International Bill of Human Rights. Hence, this principle also includes those circumstances
wherein human rights are not protected.

SA 8000: Social Accountability Certification

SA 8000 is an international certification standard that reinforces companies to develop,

perpetuate, and utilize socially responsible practices in the workplace. It is considered the most
independent workplace standard which is deemed acceptable globally. Hence, this can be applied
to any company across different nations. A company does not need to be huge in scale in order to
be SA 8000 certified.

SA 8000 certification covers issues such as occupational health and safety, freedom of
association and collective bargaining, forced child labor, misconduct and grievance,
discrimination, compensation and benefits, working hours, and various management systems. SA
8000 accredits companies which complies to the standards set out. Meaning to say, this standard
makes sure that the organizations reckon on the social impacts of their operations under which
circumstances their stakeholders operate.

There are various benefits an SA 8000 certification can give an organization such as: 1)
improvement if management and performance of business operations 2) grants the opportunity
to comply with global standards thus, reduce possible risks of negligence, public disclosure, and
possible lawsuits 3) promotes the organization’s vision and strengthen the stakeholders’ loyalty
and 4) proves that the organization is committed to being socially accountable to the society and
its stakeholders while adhering to global standards.

References

Contributor, 3p. (2011, March 14). ISO 26000 and the Definition of Social Responsibility.
TriplePundit. https://www.triplepundit.com/story/2011/iso-26000-and-definition-social-
responsibility/79811?fbclid=IwAR0-gpZ31tM4Spc2U-EdKoZpGrJKBHR9r-
ZRNprZQ5cGP0QmkLHvPcMvsUg.

SA 8000 - Social Accountability Certification. SGS.com. (n.d.).

https://www.sgs.com/en/sustainability/social-sustainability/audit-certification-and-
verification/sa-8000-certification-social-accountability?
fbclid=IwAR3NK22sVKnIEaGdwI1yYsAez5aUIW-
rbQ1SwQ_Gfp242UHpZ0M7sz9kMLE.