An exciting announcement
14th March 2007 by Michael Zimet
It’s an exciting day for all of us, as IABC announces that it has joined with the International Organization for Standardization (better known as ISO, as in ISO 9000 and other global business standards) in developing what will be known as ISO 26000, a global standard containing guiding principles for organizations’ social responsibility programs.
You can view the press release here.
Let me tell you, briefly, why this is a milestone for IABC and a giant first step for our Advocacy initiative.
First of all, as a liaison organization, our participation will help ensure that ISO 26000 clearly defines the essential role that communication professionals can and should play in developing, implementing, communicating and supporting an organization’s social responsibility program(s). This may be the first time that an objective global document (something other than a communications textbook) underscores the role of the communications professional in the organization and documents the role(s) we should play. In fact, it could ultimately be akin to “codifying” what we do and how we can add value. It will certainly rebut those business people who still parochially view communications as the “newsletter publishing department.”
There’s another element of this that I’m also excited about: as a liaison organization, IABC now has “a seat at the table” for this project. We’re are now in a position to provide the strategic communications guidance and counsel — as well as the tactical execution and support — that will contribute to the successful development of ISO 26000. We will demonstrate how professional communicators add value. And what better place to do it than in a truly global enterprise that will ultimately help many organizations make a meaningful difference.
What an opportunity… to document and demonstrate how communication professionals can add value and contribute to successful outcomes. In the context of our Advocacy initiative, this is a great way for us to improve the profile and visibility of the communications profession
I’ll be sharing more about this project soon. But right now, what do you think? Do you share our excitement? What questions do you have… and what more would you like to learn?
We want to hear from you!
March 16th, 2007 at 9:32 am
It is always good news to be invited to a party. The realm of Corporate Social Responsibility presents a high-profile opportunity for IABC to gain visibility internationally, and particularly with the other participants in the ISO process you mention.
The CSR field can use our help as well–particularly as CSR activities are often used by companies as a fig leaf for abusive or exploitative internal and external practices.
At the same time, as positive of a development as this is, the underlying issues that have been discussed in this arena–whether to advocate for the business communication profession as a whole versus empowering our professional specialties to advocate on their own behalf, and the extent to which members should drive advocacy efforts versus San Francisco–still need to be addressed and resolved.
March 19th, 2007 at 2:32 pm
Mike,
I, too, am very pleased with IABC’s participation with ISO and the goal they have set regarding organizations’ social responsibility programs.
And, I agree that there are still a number of issues to be resolved. I would hope that we can begin the process and discussions with an idea of “and” rather than “either/or” when it comes to advocating for social responsibility.
Yes, we need to advocate for the business communication profession; and yes, we need to advocate in our professional specialties; and yes, there are advocacy needs at the local and individual levels.
Getting everyone to “yes” while working within a framework of shared as well as individual responsibilities, collective and individual benchmarks, and broad as well as specific advocacy efforts — THAT will be the challenge!
Fortunately, we have folks like you to help make it happen.
Wilma
March 31st, 2007 at 2:23 pm
I listened to the Cafe2Go podcast featuring Michelle Bernhart in which Shel Holtz quoted some research about companies that don’t do social responsibility performing as well as companies that do. I am not familiar with the research but here’s a view on why organisations will have to consider taking social responsiblility seriously.
First. I feel that most employees want to work for organisations that are socially responsible - you want to feel that your organiation is contributing positively to the world not just in generating revenue but also in not recklessly wrecking our planet and our society for future generations.
Second, as Michelle mentioned, there are opportunities for thoughtful companies that take heed of what consumers want. Given the gathering power of the climate change message via “An inconvenient truth” and the Stern report I believe consumers are going to start to demand new products and services.
Finally I am surprised that there are not more comments on this topic. Perhaps Shel ought to post the information about the research he mentioned here so we can get a discussion going on this topic.
April 11th, 2007 at 5:07 pm
I am thrilled this has been announced and am going to share it with my Chapter tomorrow.
I agree with Wilma that this social advocacy is important, but so are promoting the profession, ethics and the other things we identified earlier and will focus on as well.
But it’s not just corporate social responsibility. Chapters can have a social responsibility programs, too (e.g., literacy, charity, whatever). IABC as an organization could support literacy in the third world, and could even develop a policy on how it deals with other world issues/crises.
This is all good stuff that also promotes the profession.