Guyanese can give their input Wednesday
On February 2, 2009, a letter from Mr Lloyd David, Public Relations Officer of the Guyana National Bureau of Standards, was published in the Stabroek News with the headline, ‘ISO has developed draft standard for social responsibility.’ He mentioned that 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 were given a chance to make their inputs to this draft international standard last year when the Guyana National Bureau of Standards hosted 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.
As said above, the draft was developed using a multi-stakeholder approach involving experts from more than 80 countries and 40 international or broadly-based regional organizations involved in different aspects of social responsibility. It 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 organizations.
“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 their 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 standard was expected to be ready by October 2009.
To be continued
