Fundamental Principles and Concepts of a Social Responsibility Program
What this domain tests
The foundation domain checks whether you can distinguish ISO 26000 guidance from a certifiable management-system standard and apply its vocabulary: social responsibility, stakeholder, sphere of influence, due diligence, principles, core subjects and issues. Expect definition-based questions and short scenarios asking which principle or core subject is engaged.
Core rules
ISO 26000:2010 gives guidance, not requirements; an organization cannot be certified to it. Social responsibility is the responsibility of an organization for the impacts of its decisions and activities on society and the environment, through transparent and ethical behaviour that contributes to sustainable development, including health and welfare; takes account of stakeholder expectations; is in compliance with applicable law and consistent with international norms; and is integrated throughout the organization. The seven principles are accountability, transparency, ethical behaviour, respect for stakeholder interests, respect for the rule of law, respect for international norms of behaviour, and respect for human rights. The seven core subjects are organizational governance, human rights, labour practices, environment, fair operating practices, consumer issues, and community involvement and development. Organizational governance is both a core subject and the means of integrating SR. Stakeholder engagement and due diligence are two fundamental practices; due diligence means identifying, preventing, mitigating and accounting for actual or potential negative impacts.
Worked example
A retailer discovers child labour at a supplier. The issue sits under human rights and labour practices, and also fair operating practices because of supplier relationships. Because the retailer has influence but not direct control, it should exercise due diligence and use leverage with the supplier, not simply terminate and leave the children worse off. The principle engaged is respect for human rights; stakeholder engagement should include affected workers and credible experts.
Traps
Do not call ISO 26000 certifiable. Do not treat the principles as optional 'nice-to-have' values. Do not confuse core subjects with principles, or organizational governance with a 'governance department'. Sphere of influence is not legal control. Legal compliance is the minimum, not the whole of SR.