ISO 26000 provides guidance
that organizations can follow to promote engagement in socially responsible
behaviours. Global organizations are being inspired to build their social
responsibility strategies on ISO 26000. This means acting in an
ethical and transparent way that contributes to the health and welfare of
society.
ISO
26000:2010 provides guidance rather than requirements, so it cannot be
certified to, unlike some other well-known ISO standards. Instead, it helps
clarify what social responsibility is, helps businesses and organizations
translate principles into effective actions, and shares best practices relating
to social responsibility, globally. It is aimed at all types of organizations
regardless of their activity, size, or location.
ISO 26000 Certification is
intended to assist organizations in contributing to sustainable development. It
is intended to encourage them to go beyond legal compliance, recognizing that
compliance with law is a fundamental duty of any organization and an essential
part of their social responsibility. It is intended to promote common
understanding in the field of social responsibility, and to complement other
instruments and initiatives for social responsibility, not to replace them.
· Achieve and
maintain overall competitive edge
· Improve perception
of investors, owners, sponsors and financiers
· Win greater
trust and credibility as a socially responsible organization
· Improve
reputation of the organization with governments, media, suppliers, customers
and
community in general
· Improve
morale, commitment and productivity of employees
· Favorably influence and retain the customers, users and clients.
Representatives from the government, NGOs, industry, consumer groups, and labor organizations around the world were involved in its development, which means it represents an international consensus.
