Dear Editor,
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) a worldwide federation of national standards bodies has been developing standards through its technical committees which comprise technical experts from its member bodies. Recently, it has undertaken the task of developing a standard which upon completion, will provide guidelines for socially responsible behaviour and address a variety of moral and ethical issues that will contribute to sustainable development including the health and welfare of society.
Leading organizations around the world as well as their stakeholders have also become more aware of the need for socially responsible behaviour given the fact that they are part of the society and the manner in which they conduct their operations will impact on the environment, the world’s fragile ecosystems, social equity and good organizational governance. It is against this background that the ISO has undertaken the task of formulating this standard using a multi stakeholder approach.
Guyanese stakeholders will also be given a chance to make their inputs to this draft international standard on Wednesday, February 4, 2009 from 8:30h to 12: 00h at Hotel Tower, Main Street, Georgetown, as the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) will be hosting an Awareness and Public Consultation Session on ‘Social Responsibility.’
This International Standard, which currently exists as a Committee Draft Standard (ISO/CD 26000) provides guidance on the underlying principles of social responsibility, the core subject and issues pertaining to social responsibility and ways to integrate socially responsible behaviour into existing organizational strategies, systems, practices and processes.
The draft was developed using a multi stakeholder approach involving experts from more than 80 countries and 40 internationally or broadly-based Regional organizations involved in different aspects of social responsibility and is intended to be used by all types of organizations, whether large or small, and whether operating in the developed or developing world. It also addresses the expectations of society, the role of stakeholders as it relates to social responsibility and the integration of social responsibility throughout the organization.
Throughout the world organizations are taking into consideration their performance in relation to the society in which they operate, and their impact on the environment has become a critical part of measuring the overall performance and ability to continue operating effectively. That is, in part, a reflection of the growing recognition of the need to ensure healthy eco-systems, social equity and good organizational governance.
Today, organizations are subject to greater scrutiny by their various stakeholders, including customers or consumers, workers and their trade unions, members, the community, non-governmental organizations, students, financiers, donors, investors, companies and other entities. The perception of an organization’s social responsibility performance can influence its reputation, its ability to attract and retain workers, customers, clients, users, investors, donors, sponsors and the financial community.
The essential characteristic of social responsibility is the willingness of an organization to take responsibility and be accountable for the impacts of its activities and decisions on society and the environment. This implies both transparent and ethical behaviour that contributes to sustainable development. These include the health and the welfare of society, taking into account the expectations of stakeholders, compliance with applicable law and consistency with international norms or behaviour, proper integration throughout the organization of practices by the organization in its relationships.
The need for social responsibility is hinged on the expectations of society, the expectation of stakeholders and the expectation and impact of the organization itself that is becoming socially responsible.
When approaching and practising social responsibility, the overarching goal for an organization is to maximize its contribution to sustainable development, including health and the welfare of society. Within this goal, although there is no comprehensive list of principles for social responsibility, organizations should still apply the principles of accountability, transparency, ethical behaviour, respect for stakeholder interests, respect for the rule of law, respect for international norms of behaviour and respect for human rights.
Every organization is encouraged to become more aware of the impact its operations can have on its stakeholders and be mindful of their concerns and expectations, comply with applicable laws and adhere to international norms and guidelines for responsible corporate behaviour.
Yours faithfully,
Lloyd David
