7.1 - Introduction

 
Normative processes are typical of large companies because they involve substantial financial, organizational and human investment. For the smaller ones, normative processes usually take place by pressure from the competition, large customers or contracting companies.

The numerous existing standards are not limited, however, to procedures standardization. They foster a deep reflection regarding management tools to be used in order to ensure sustainable development planning. They result, above all, in the necessary internal mobilization so that a detailed and reliable diagnosis of the organization’s commitment can be made. In this sense, standards are also part of the organizations’ strategy.
Two types of standards can be identified, according to the objectives of those implementing them.

There are standards published by official standards organizations, among which we can highlight:
• ISO 14000 (environment)
• ISO 9000 (quality)
• CE EMAS (environment)
• BS 8800 (decent work conditions)
• BS 8855 (environment)

The market has encouraged the creation of ins­titutions to develop standards for certain key management systems in areas such as occupational safety and working conditions, among others. In this field, the most outstanding standards are:
• SA 8000 (social rights)
• OHSAS 18001 (risks/accidents)
• AA 1000 (accountability)

As far as social responsibility is concerned, Brazil already has its social responsibility standard, of a management system nature with certification purposes.
• ABNT NBR 16001

The following countries also have social responsibility standards:
• England (BS 8900)
• Australia (AS 8003)
• France (SD 21000)
• Israel (SI 10000)
• Japan (EC S2000)
• Italy (Q-Res)
• Germany (VMS)

Based on the world demand on the social responsibility theme, a third generation of standards in underway to be launched in 2009 – the social responsibility one –presenting guidelines with no certification purposes.

• ISO 26000

It is in the environmental field, however, that we find the greatest number and also the most advanced standards as accepted and established tools. They are useful for diffusing CSR and are renowned models that serve as inspiration for social standards improvement.