The Standards Institution of Israel has introduced a new standard to help reduce the social disparities that are increasing in the globalized economy. It is meant as a “Guide to the Perplexed” for Israeli companies operating on the world stage that must demonstrate, beyond business and organizational success, achievement in social and environmental action.

The new SII standard is modeled on a standard for social responsibility (ISO 26000), the first of its kind in the world, now being prepared by the International Organization for Standardization.  The Standards Institution of Israel is a key participant in the ISO committee preparing the new international standard. The committee is composed of 350 people, experts from 54 ISO member countries and 24 international organizations.

The new SII standard guides companies and organizations in the implementation of a social responsibility policy in many areas. These include:

Dismissals

•  Employees will not be dismissed by force
•   Dismissals required to reduce expenditures will be made only as a last resort
•    When dismissing, the organization will prepare those designated for dismissal and attend to them for a reasonable time as they search for a new employer

Workplace and worker rights

• Transparency that enables workers to know how decisions affecting them are made, including their occupational and managerial advancement, through publication of the indices and mechanisms determining their workplace advancement
• Wage levels that permit workers and their families to live in dignity
• Formal, declared policies that enable workers to express themselves without fear of sanction, dismissal or self-incrimination
• Fair use of the various means of engagement, including subcontractors, the self-employed, part-time workers and temporary workers
  

Ethical management

• Refraining from lobbying, bribery, gift-giving and hospitality to advance business interests
• Refraining from political contributions
• Transparency in providing information and in relations with stakeholders

The organization and the community

• Observance of a policy of preference for local products and services
• Policy of community giving through defining an employee volunteerism policy
• Promoting educational quality and equal opportunities within the community in which the organization is active
  

Markets and consumers

• Refraining from misleading and unethical advertising, meaningless promises and manipulation of children
• Maintaining consumer privacy
  

The standard also includes guidance with respect to environmental quality and for human and citizen rights.

The standard declares that social responsibility is not a contribution to the community, which though very important does not affect the makeup of the society. Responsibility to society creates a reference point for holistic management: Employment laws, environmental laws, an ethical code for conducting business and accounting transparency. More and more companies publish social reports as part of their financial statements.

Organizations that succeed in manufacturing products while preserving values, morals, good workplace conditions and a manufacturing environment that cause no harm to the individual, will in the end manufacture products that better meet the needs of the modern consumer.

For further information:

Revital Maor, Coordinator International Standardization

Tel: 972-3-6467675 Fax: 972-3-6412762

Email:  Tkina@sii.org.il