ISO 26000:2010 helps organizations to contribute to sustainable development and encourage them to go beyond legal compliance. It does this by encouraging them to recognize that legal compliance is an essential part of their social responsibility, and it’s the law after all. It is intended to complement other instruments and initiatives for social responsibility, not to replace them.
In order to apply ISO 26000:2010, it is important that a business considers the differences in culture, economic circumstances and government oversight depending on the geographical region of operation.
ISO 26000:2010 provides guidance to all types of organizations on:
Concepts, terms and definitions related to social responsibility;
The background, trends and characteristics of social responsibility.
Principles and practices relating to social responsibility;
The core subjects and issues of social responsibility.
Integration, implementation and promotion of social responsibilities behaviour throughout the organization
Identifying and engaging with stakeholders
Commitment, performance and other information to the social responsibilities.
Social responsibility is now more important than ever with regards to organizational behaviour. Businesses can’t help but take into account how they affect their surrounding communities and the environment, whether that organization is for profit or non-profit. The most efficient option for most businesses is to form an effective corporate social responsibility strategy so one may effectively engage with stakeholders and operate responsibly. One way most businesses go about this is by outlining their reasons for being socially responsible alongside objectives so as to create a meaningful impact out in the world.
Benefits of ISO 26000:2010
Design and build a social responsibility strategy to your business.
Adapt this strategy to any legal, cultural or political environment.
Manage social or environmental issues specific to your business.
Engage employee, communities and business partners in your strategy.
Greater trust and credibility as a social responsible organization.