ISO 26000:2010 provides guidance to all types of organizations, regardless of their size or location, 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;
• integrating, implementing and promoting socially responsible behavior throughout the organization and, through its policies and practices, within its sphere of influence;
• identifying and engaging with stakeholders; and
• communicating commitments, performance and other information related to social responsibility.
ISO 26000:2010 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.
In applying ISO 26000:2010, it is advisable that an organization take into consideration societal, environmental, legal, cultural, political and organizational diversity, as well as differences in economic conditions, while being consistent with international norms of behaviour.
Benefits
ISO 26000 offers several advantages to organizations:
1. Enhanced reputation: Implementing ISO 26000 demonstrates a commitment to social responsibility, which can enhance a company’s reputation and credibility with stakeholders.
2. Risk management: ISO 26000 helps organizations identify and manage social, environmental and ethical risks. By proactively addressing these risks, companies can avoid potential legal, financial and reputational consequences.
3. Sustainable development: The standard guides organizations in aligning their practices with sustainable development objectives. By taking into account the social, environmental and economic impacts of their activities, companies can contribute to a more sustainable future.
4. Competitive advantage: implementing ISO 26000 can give you a competitive edge in the marketplace. Many customers and investors prefer to engage with socially responsible organizations, which can lead to greater customer loyalty and investment opportunities.
5. Employee engagement: The standard promotes employee engagement by encouraging organizations to provide a safe and inclusive work environment, fair labor practices and professional development opportunities. This can lead to greater employee satisfaction and productivity.
6. Innovation and continuous improvement: ISO 26000 encourages organizations to continuously improve their corporate social responsibility performance. This drive for innovation can lead to the development of new products, services and processes that are aligned with society’s needs and expectations.