SA8000 standard is intended for development, realization and use at enterprises of any direction of activity and any form of social responsibility management systems. It is a method of influence of business on society through its transparent and ethical activities, work within the framework of national and international legislation, justifying consumers’ expectations and other related parties.
Reasons for the emergence of the SA 8000 standard
People today are more demanding than ever. At the beginning of the 60s of the last century, mass consumerism was inherent. In the late 70s, buyers began to demand that the goods they purchased correspond to the established quality. In the 80s, they wanted the goods to be environmentally friendly. In late 90s, it became mandatory social charge of fabricators. Clients are concerned with not only price, quality and convenience, but with workers’ rights and environment in which they work. However, this concerns not only people, but also investors and governments. They have many questions like “Whether the workers who collected these bananas were exposed to harmful pesticides?”, “Does the company that made this shoe adhere to a specific code of conduct?”, etc.
Research shows a large percentage of consumers and investors around the world, pay close attention to social aspects and the work environment evaluating company productivity. In order to meet the ever-increasing demands on the social and work spheres, enterprises need a systematic approach using which enterprise policies and work and social ethics do not contradict each other.
SA8000 standard contains the following requests:
- employers must not hire children under 15;
- necessary measures to ensure workers safety;
- workers should have the freedom to negotiate with employers;
- racial and any other discrimination is prohibited;
- employers should not use disciplinary action;
- workers must receive at least the minimum wage established by state, and many others.
Positive sides of implementing a social responsibility system
Realizing this approach, a firm gains a number of benefits. First, SA8000 standard is a significant betterment in moral and psychological climate in the team and an increase in personnel interest and involvement. An enterprise may demonstrate social charge of firm’s management, thereby enhancing the company’s image, and ensuring compliance with legislative requests in social sphere.
Through managing the risks arising in the social sphere, the organization significantly reduces the costs of paying fines. The obvious economic benefits will be attracting investment in socially oriented business and gaining a competitive advantage in government tenders and orders.
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