What Does ISO 26000 Mean to Small Businesses?

The recently released ISO 26000  international standard on social responsibility (SR), provides guidance on implementing social responsibility for both private and public companies.  Targeting the areas that will deliver the greatest business sustainability value, critics question the organizational breath of coverage, specifically its application to small businesses. 

Comprised of seven key aspects of social responsibility, the guidance explores organizational governance, community involvement and development, environment, fair operating practices, consumer issues, labor practices and human rights.  ISO 26000 adds value to existing work on social responsibility (SR) and extends the understanding and implementation of SR by:   •    Developing an international consensus on what SR means and the SR issues that organizations need to address.   •    Providing guidance on translating principles into effective actions.   •    Refining best practices that have already evolved and disseminating the information worldwide for the good of the international community.   In application with small business application, questions have risen on the standard’s application to entrepreneurs and private businesses, which make up more than half of the global workforce. Critics cite two major areas of concern:   •    Complexity: Many of the suggested actions include technologically advanced, logistically complex, and costly activities.   •    Relevance: Many of the SR issues are addressed in the context of employee actions.   Whether applicable in its entirety, our sustainability consulting views the standard as a  guide for business improvement for any sized organization- including smaller organizations. Click here to continue reading.  

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