7 Core Principles of ISO 26000 Standard to Improve Corporate Social Responsibility

The international standard known as ISO 26000 was created to assist organizations in efficiently evaluating and addressing social responsibilities that are pertinent to and significant for their operations and processes, customers, employees, communities, and other stakeholders, as well as their impact on the environment.

ISO 26000 is not certifiable, in contrast to many other well-known ISO (International Organization for Standardization) standards. The ISO 26000 standard was introduced in 2010 and offers helpful information instead of legally binding regulations. Regardless of their activity, size, or location, it serves to support businesses and organizations in comprehending and successfully putting social responsibility concepts into practice. In summary, it acts as a worldwide resource by disseminating social responsibility best practices.

Five years of intensive negotiations involving numerous international stakeholders resulted in the establishment of ISO 26000. The standard was greatly influenced by labour organizations, industry experts, consumer groups, government representatives, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Through cooperation, it was made possible for ISO 26000 to reflect the various viewpoints and levels of knowledge of these stakeholders and to serve as an international consensus.

The seven fundamental principles included in the ISO 26000 standard provide businesses with a framework around which to build their action plans. Every principle covers different approaches to take, directing ethical and long-lasting behaviour:

• Organizational governance – This principle encourages integrity and ethical behaviour by supporting open, responsible, and transparent decision-making procedures within businesses.
• Human rights – This addresses a broad variety of issues related to human rights, such as preventing discrimination, defending civil and political rights, guaranteeing equitable working conditions, and promoting opportunity for all people.
• Working relations and practices – This principle highlights how crucial it is to sustain favourable employer-employee relations, advance social protection policies, guarantee workplace health and safety, and cultivate a healthy work atmosphere.
• Environmental responsibility – This principle highlights the importance of environmental stewardship, which includes steps to reduce waste, energy consumption, pollution, manage resources sustainably, and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
• Fair operating practices – In order to promote fair business practices, this principle calls for the implementation of anti-corruption measures, the maintenance of fair competition, the protection of intellectual property rights, and the encouragement of ethical marketing and advertising.
• Consumer protection – This principle highlights how crucial it is to defend consumer rights, which include fair marketing techniques, product safety, privacy protection, and giving customers accurate and transparent information.
• Contribution to sustainable development – Organizations are encouraged by this idea to actively support sustainable development both within and outside of their communities. This can entail programs like social welfare promotion, education and training support, employment creation, and community involvement.

For each of these seven principles, the ISO 26000 standard offers a road map, allowing businesses to evaluate their own performance and pinpoint areas in need of development. These regulations ensure a thorough approach to social responsibility by applying it to a wide range of fields and organizational activities.

Adhering to the fundamental tenets of ISO 26000 can help businesses improve their overall sustainability performance, cultivate strong relationships with stakeholders, and make a beneficial impact on society and the environment. Punyam.com can assist your company in implementing the ISO 26000 standard to reap all of its benefits. A team of highly skilled ISO 26000 consultants and globally certified lead auditors for Consulting Services will provide guidance and support for the successful implementation of the ISO 26000 standard within your company. Punyam.com implements Social Compliance in accordance with the most recent industry standards and best practices. Additionally, the ISO 26000 certification can improve the organization’s internal processes to help the environment and its external interactions with other businesses, the media, and the community, all of which can increase revenues.