The year 2007 has been a difficult one for our consumers. Let us resolve, here and now, that 2008 will be a happy year, no matter what may befall. Being happy is a state of mind. Two very happy persons that I knew were both very poor, but they hummed as they worked and cast their hardships behind their shoulders. When difficulties threaten to overwhelm us, let us count our blessings.
There are promises of blessings to come our way in 2008. The first Friday in February is World Day of Prayer. A group of women in Germany traditionally select a developing country to highlight at that time. For 2008 they have selected Guyana. My daughter has been assisting in providing them with information on Guyana – wildlife, tourist attractions, our style of cooking and so on. In February we will have something in our hands to show the world. This activity promises to be a tourist aid. But there will also be other benefits to Guyana.
What promises to be a great blessing, not only to consumers in Guyana, but to consumers worldwide is the ISO voluntary standard on Social Responsibility. It is expected that we will all become aware of our commitments to other people. This will lead to a happier life for us all.
Take a look at the ‘Ethics for the Social Responsibility of Management.’ The question is asked “What is the right thing for management to do when it comes to social responsibility?”
The reply is given:
“This is one of the most crucial questions that managers will face in the next decade. Is it a manager’s job just to maximize profits? Or should managers be concerned with using their organization to carry out other social responsibilities such as controlling pollution, employing disadvantaged groups or supporting education?”
A list of the factors which affect decisions made on ethical problems is then given:
“The Law
“Government Regulations
“Industry and Company ethical Codes
“Social Pressures
“Tension between personal standards and the goals of the organization.”
A document published by the ISO relates how the standard was to be developed. It states:
“From the beginning the ISO/TMB (Technical Management Board) has considered it essential that balanced representation among diverse stakeholders be ensured in the development of SR standards.”
Fifty-four countries have been working on developing the standard, Saint Lucia, an ISO member being one of them. The project plan is shown below:
A first working draft to be available in the first quarter of 2006.
A draft ISO 26000 in November/December 2007.
A final draft in September 2008.
The International Standard issued in October 2008.
The ISO representative in Guyana is the Guyana National Bureau of Standards.
In the document mentioned above there is a message from the SR chairs. Two opening paragraphs need to be widely circulated:
“The world is not yet fair but together we will stand a good chance of eliminating poverty, inhuman conditions and environmental degradation that are still far too common.
“As individuals we all have the responsibility to take some responsibility and it is no longer possible to argue that it is someone else’s job to solve global challenges.”
As we accept our responsibility, let us all remember to be happy in our work.
