ISO 26000 Social Responsibility - A First Look

In 2001 an ISO Committee started a feasibility study on standards for Corporate Social Responsibility in response to growing concerns about businesses social integrity. Eight years later, a five month balloting period has now begun for voting on the draft ISO 26000 with a view to fully publishing in late 2010. The aim is to provide 'harmonized, globally relevant guidance based on international consensus', and to 'so encourage the implementation of best practice in social responsibility worldwide'. It will not be a management standard and not intended to be used for certification purposes, more of a first steps to social responsibility, for all organisations, that is, all sizes and across all sectors. From a global perspective it has taken the very biggest picture approach ensuring strong consistency with all associated standards and existing guidance including, International Labour Organisation, UN Global Compact and OECD perspectives. Very comprehensive indeed, but what's the point of it all? Don't we already have enough guidance?

The difference is best emphasised by the comprehensive scope of the guidance. ISO 26000 aims to be as holistic as possible with no specific responsibility focus area. The seven core principles covered are respect for human rights; transparency; accountability; ethical behaviour; respect for stakeholder interests; respect for rule of law and respect for international norms of behaviour. If an organisation were to fully consider each of these seven principles it would be working beyond the majority understanding of terms such as Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainable Development. In practical terms the guidance aims to complement existing tools as a reference document to provide clarity, continuity and better awareness.

There are a few rough edges including a statement saying 'In times of economic and financial crisis, organizations should not seek to reduce their activities related to social responsibility.' which sounds simply naive but then it is a draft document.

It will be interesting to see the final draft of a document that since its conception will have witnessed such dramatic events in financial communities and changes in environmental awareness.