Frequenty Asked Questions

Listed below are some of the most frequently asked questions about SR. You'll find more under "About ISO SR" and "Organizational Structure". Local SR perspectives are best covered by your national Standardisation Organisation listed under "Contact".

These FAQs have been prepared in co-operation by the task group on communication, WG SR/TG 2.

1. Why is SR so important?
In the wake of increasing globalization, we have become increasingly conscious not only of what we buy, but also how the goods and services we buy have been produced. Environmentally harmful production, child labour, dangerous working environments and other inhumane conditions are examples of issues being brought into the open. All companies and organizations aiming at long-term profitability and credibility are starting to realize that they must act in accordance with norms of right and wrong.

2. Why is it referred to as SR instead of CSR?
SR applies to more than just private companies. Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR, has been broadened to include governmental agencies and other organizations that have a clear interest in showing how they work.

3. Is legislation an alternative to SR?
Many feel that more legislation and regulation is the key to dealing with deficient social responsibility. Although this is certainly justified in some cases, it is rarely the only method of dealing with the problem. Regulation can be considered to be static and comes from the top down, standardization works from the bottom up, is dynamic in nature and simplifies development. Because it is based on voluntary action, consensus and openness, the result is a positive commitment, rather than a restrictive sense of obligation. The intention is also that the standard will contribute to greater awareness and wider observance of existing legislation and regulation.

4. Are not individual companies and organizations the best judge of what has to be done?
Many companies today have their own programs, policies and guidelines for SR, all very different. The head of a company or organisation is seldom interested in detailed studies of how each and every one of his/her contacts conduct their business according to their own model. It would mean an unreasonable amount of work. Common basic definitions, working methods and methods of evaluation would simplify things for everyone.

5. How are developing countries interests promoted?
The ISO Conference on Social Responsibility in Stockholm June 2004 included a pre-workshop for participants from developing countries sponsored by the Swedish aid organisation SIDA. When work began in 2005, another such workshop was held. It was decided at an early stage that this work would be conducted according to the co-chair concept. Candidates for leading positions would run in pairs – one from a developing country and one from an industrialized country.

6. Will the future SR standard (ISO 26000) be a standard for certification?
No. The document will be an ISO standard providing guidance and will not be intended for third-party certification.

7. Who will develop this standard?
The standard will be developed by experts of developed and developing countries from all stakeholders (Government, Industry, Labour, NGO´s, Consumers and Others) involved in this process to ensure balanced representation.

8. What is the definition of a standard?
STANDARD is a document, established by consensus and approved by a recognized body, that provides, for common and repeated use, rules, guidelines or characteristics for activities or their results, aimed at the achievement of the optimum degree of order in a given context.