ASQ Discussion Boards

Replies: 2

Dennis Arter

Posts: 44

Social Responsibility vs. Corp Social Responsibility
Posted: Oct 20, 2009 2:23 PM

I have been invited to give a short presentation in March about the differences between Social Responsibility and Corporate Social Responsibility. The debate cuts deep into the whole question of "Where is society heading?" Society can be the world as a whole or it can be professional societies, like ASQ. The debate also involves cultural norms, which have always been influenced by history.

Right now, I am in the collection phase. I am studying the ISO/DIS 26,000, called "Guidance on social responsibility." I am studying the 2002 material I received from ISO COPOLCO (Consumer Policy Committee of ISO) on "Corporate Social Responsibility." I am also studying the US State Department policies on child labor, etc. In addition, there is the whole sustainability trend. Finally, how does this all fit into risk management (ISO 31,000) and business continuity (BS 25,999 and NFPA 1600)? My mind tells me it is all related somehow!

I am looking for colleagues who might have input for my studies, particularly CSR. I am also looking for people who would like to be peer reviewers on my progress (assuming I make some!). Post responses here or write me directly.

Dennis Arter (dennis@auditguy.net)

Chad Vincent

Posts: 36

Re: Social Responsibility vs. Corp Social Responsibility
Posted: Oct 22, 2009 8:50 AM

Dennis,

I think you are definitely on the right track. These are linked through a common thread of social responsibility. I would be happy to help out in any way I can (input and/or review).

I do have a few ideas of how risk management and business continuity fit into the overall theme of SR and CSR. Risk management really boils down to determining and preventing adverse impacts of products/services/business on society which directly correlates with SR within Baldrige and the ISO 26000. While business continuity is a little more tricky to make the direct correlation, it can be made through a philosophical approach. I have some information regarding Toyota's philosophy of business continuity because of the underlying philosophy to remain in business for the purpose of its employees' quality of life and the communities it and its employees support.

I am very interested in where this takes you. Please keep the discussion board and myself informed of your progress and needs. I do apologize for my slow response. I was doing the socially responsible thing and staying away from work while being sick with the flu.

Chad Vincent
Moderator
chad_vincent@baxter.com

Dennis Arter

Posts: 44

Re: Social Responsibility vs. Corp Social Responsibility
Posted: Oct 22, 2009 9:46 AM

Thank you Chad. The more I read ISO/DIS 26000, the more I like it. But I can see where it might get some folks all huffy-puffy. I would encourage my colleagues to download the document from the ASQ site (www.asq.org/knowledge-center/standards/index.html) and study it. Comments due Dec. 14.