Why should organizations get involved?

People and organizations don't often understand the value of participation in standards activities in the beginning, but once involved, they see great benefits. Some of the benefits include:

• Competitive Intelligence: As a member of the TAG, your company will see the drafts and related documents before the general public has access as well as have access to information about the standard throughout the development lifecycle. At meetings, experts give updates about both the U.S. and international viewpoints on social responsibility.
• Networking: You are expected to do internal networking, in order to gather your company's input into the standard. Members of the TAG cross all sectors of the economy, and represent large, medium and small organizations. TAG members are from government (e.g. NIST, Port Houston Authority, etc.), large companies (e.g. ExxonMobil, Caterpillar, Hewlett Packard, etc.), organizations (SAI, ANAB, BBB, etc.) and many others. Working with representatives from these organizations provides opportunities to make new contacts and understand how different organizations do business.
• Skills Development: TAG members are hard-working. If you want to become involved, they will assist you in understanding standards development. Members continually perfect their skills related to completing complex, technical work, with a diverse group of people, in a limited amount of time. By reviewing the standard at each stage, you will understand the fine detail of the technical content. General discussions will give you an opportunity to become savvy about ways in which organizations interpret and will use the standard. During the in-person meetings, people present to small and large groups. Because members meet in-person fairly infrequently, you will build your skills in writing, communicating, and working in virtual teams.
• Prestige: Being an insider in the standards development process is an impressive role that will be appreciated by your company, your clients and your competitors. Having your organization intimately involved with this international standard development highlights your company's position in the global economy and showcases the expertise your company brings to the table.

Frequently Asked Questions on Social Responsibility