Social Responsibility Tool of the Month May 2012 ASQ PDX 0607

Social Responsibility: Doing the Right Thing SR Walking Campaign at ASQ World Conference – “ASQ believes that being “socially responsible” means that people and organizations must behave ethically and with sensitivity toward social, cultural, economic and environmental issues. Striving for social responsibility helps individuals, organizations and governments have a positive impact on development, business and society with a positive contribution to bottom-line results.” ISOASQSRO

ISO International Organization of Standardization The scope of the International Standard includes the following: –Assist organizations in addressing their social responsibilities while respecting cultural, societal, environmental and legal differences and economic development conditions; –Provide practical guidance related to making social responsibility operational; identifying and engaging with stakeholders and enhancing credibility of reports and claims made about social responsibility; –Emphasize performance results and improvement; –Increase confidence and satisfaction in organizations among their customers and other stakeholders; –Be consistent with existing documents, international treaties and conventions and existing ISO standards; –Promote common terminology in the social responsibility field; and –Broaden awareness of social responsibility. ISO26000 Guidance Standard No certification

The ASQ Board approved the creation of a new dues paying learning community called the Social Responsibility Organization (SRO). This will be a cross collaboration between quality and social responsibility professionals. The SRO will offer professionals and practitioners in quality and a variety of functions related to social responsibility and sustainability an opportunity to collaborate on research, exchange information, gain knowledge, quality methods and best practices and to create community. A design team of industry leaders in the areas of social responsibility and quality will meet for the first time in May 2012, to provide strategic guidance on the implementation of this unique learning community. The SRO* is a new international movement to share insights and expertise on, and examples of, the evolving area of social responsibility, and to help define what it means to be a socially responsible organization.

Benefits for implementing ISO26000 The perception and reality of an organization's performance on social responsibility can influence, among other things: Competitive advantage Reputation Ability to attract and retain workers or members, customers, clients or users Maintenance of employees' morale, commitment and productivity View of investors, owners, donors, sponsors and the financial community Relationship with companies, governments, the media, suppliers, peers, customers and the community in which it operates.