Abstract

The International Organization for Standardization’s ISO 26000 on social responsibility supports organizations of all types and sizes in their responsibilities toward society and the environment. The standard’s core subjects respect the rule of law as well as international norms on human rights and non-discrimination. ISO 26000 recommends that organizations ought to follow its principles on accountability, transparency, ethical behaviors and fair operating practices that safeguard organizations and their stakeholders’ interests. Hence, this chapter presents a critical analysis of ISO 26000 and also features a descriptive case study of a multinational retail business that is currently following the social responsibility standard. This contribution suggests that there are both costs and benefits for those organizations who have taken on board ISO 26000’s guiding principles. There are positive and negative implications for practitioners, policy makers and standard setting organizations. The comprehensive standards’ guidelines will support the practicing organizations in their social responsibility behaviors. However, since ISO 26000 is a non-certifiable standard, it is not an enforceable instrument.