Principles of CSR according to ISO 26000

Certification is one of the results of good CSR practices, but let’s go back to CSR. Before thinking about getting certified, it is important to understand the main criteria on which CSR rely, so as to be able to integrate them into the company policy. CSR is based on principles, in general, whose pillars are respect for the environment and the social benefits of its surroundings, together to provide added value to its actions.

Following the ISO 26000 standard, which we have taken as one of the most complete references for guiding companies to implement measures aimed at managing corporate social responsibility, CSR is made of 7 core subjects, or principles of reference:

Accountability

Companies should apply the principles of transparency due to the impact that their actions can have on society, the economy, and the environment. Therefore, they must be accountable to society as a whole for all their actions.

Transparency

Companies must have policies of business through which they offer clear information, in understandable language and formats accessible to all their stakeholders, from internal (employees, managers, shareholders, etc.) to external (suppliers, administrations, customers, etc.).

Ethical behaviour

Companies must observe ethical conduct, based on the values ​​of honesty, fairness, and integrity.

Respect for stakeholder interests

Every company must respect, consider, and respond to the interests of its owners, shareholders, partners, and employees, as well as to other individuals or groups that may have specific rights, claims or interests to be taken into account.

Respect for the principle of legality

All companies must commit, at all levels, to knowledge and compliance with the law. Especially since 2015, companies as legal entities may have criminal liability.

Respect for international standards of behaviour

Companies must respect international standards of behaviour regarding social responsibility. If there are conflicts between national and international norms, an attempt should be made to take actions that allow the greatest respect for both.

Respect for human rights

All companies should know and promote respect for human rights, included in the Universal Charter of Human Rights, incorporating its principles into their internal codes of conduct.

Source: www.freepik.es

CSR is a transversal concept that affects different areas of company management, so all actions carried out within it must be linked to the activity of the company, be durable in time and involve senior management commitment.

With this idea in mind, any corporate social responsibility policy must contemplate a series of fundamental lines of action for the company:

– CSR should be promoted as a way to promote a sustainable company in social and environmental aspects.

– CSR must be part of training, education, and research.

– Companies must implement transparency measures and good corporate governance to increase stakeholders’ confidence.

– Companies must carry out responsible management of their human resources and promote employment.

– Companies should invest in R + D + I in a socially responsible way so that society as a whole benefit from the scientific and technological advances achieved by companies.

– They have to promote and encourage development and cooperation in all sectors.

– Companies are committed to creating better relationships between the company and suppliers and seek for responsible suppliers.

– They must comply with the rules of respect for the environment, promote them and be proactive in this regard, in addition to promoting responsible consumption by all parts of society.

– Companies shall “listen to all voices”, that is, promote those actions that are based on coordination and participation.