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DIN ISO 26000

ISO 26000 is an international standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and serves as a guide for companies and organizations on corporate social responsibility (CSR). This standard was published in 2010 and provides guidelines on how companies and organizations can contribute to sustainable development by integrating ethical and transparent practices that promote the health and well-being of society and the environment into their business strategy and operations.

ISO 26000 provides companies with a comprehensive framework for understanding and managing their social responsibility. It emphasizes the importance of ethical behavior, transparency and a contribution to sustainable development.

Rules and requirements

  1. Voluntary application: ISO 26000 is a guideline and not a certifiable standard. Its application is voluntary and it serves as a guide.

  2. Seven core topics of social responsibility:

  1. Organizational management

  2. Human rights

  3. Working practices

  4. Environment

  5. Fair business and operating practices

  6. Consumer interests

  7. Communities and development

Usage

  1. Integration into corporate strategies: Companies integrate the principles and practices of social responsibility into their corporate culture and decision-making processes.

  2. Stakeholder engagement: Companies actively involve their stakeholders in their CSR initiatives.

Obligations for companies

  1. Self-assessment and improvement: Companies should regularly assess and continuously improve their performance in the area of social responsibility.

  2. Transparency and reporting: Companies should report transparently on their activities and progress in the area of social responsibility.

Challenges

  1. Implementation: Integrating the extensive and multi-layered recommendations of ISO 26000 into existing business processes can be complex and resource-intensive.

  2. Measurement and evaluation: Measuring the impact of CSR initiatives and evaluating their effectiveness can be difficult.

  3. Credibility and authenticity: Companies must ensure that their CSR efforts are authentic and are not perceived as mere image cultivation.

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