The International Standard Of Chinese Enterprises' "Magic Charm" Social Responsibility Was Introduced In July.

Whether or not willing to face, China is in the pition period of economic development mode.

Just like such a sensitive period, a new standard of international social responsibility arises at the historic moment.

The first international social responsibility standard (ISO26000) has been completed. According to the work plan, it will be formally passed in July this year.

This is the first time that the international organization for standardization has formulated non-technical standards.

Although this standard is clearly defined as non accreditation, some experts believe that in some countries, it may be promoted by the market to become an accreditation standard, which may even promote national legislation.

For Chinese enterprises, the coming standards are more like a great challenge and test.

Guidance documents may be considered as accreditation standards.

If there is no special accident, the first international social responsibility standard (ISO26000) will be formally adopted in July this year to become the implementation of the international standard.

In March 2005, the working group on social responsibility international standards was formally established and held its first meeting in Brazil.

Since then, the working group has held eight plenary meetings, and nearly 500 experts from more than 80 countries have participated in the drafting of the document.

In May 2010, the working group held its eighth meeting in Copenhagen, Denmark, and discussed some of the last key issues and decided to vote on the revised draft standard to all members of the international standard organization ISO.

According to the economic reference daily, according to the plan, the last vote of all members of the ISO will be held two months after the end of the Copenhagen conference.

If there is no special accident, ISO26000 will be formally passed in July to become the implementation of the international standard.

"The process is complicated and chaotic, and the collision and conflict between ideology and interests are fierce."

An expert representing China's participation in the conference admitted in an interview with the economic reference daily.

According to his recollections, anyone can speak freely and argue and quarrel with each other in all previous meetings. For Chinese representatives, it is necessary to explain the misunderstandings and remarks of other countries in an unfriendly way.

"The developed countries are arrogant and domineering, and the developing countries are silent."

He admitted.

Although China has made a lot of efforts, its appeal is different because of the different situations in different countries.

At present, the draft standard actually reflects the will of the western developed countries, and is not comprehensive about the actual situation of China and the developing countries.

But many basic theories and principles are worth learning.

Although the international organization for standardization has repeatedly claimed that ISO26000 is a guiding document and is not used for third party certification, it is not a management system.

But in fact, this guidance document is more and more characteristic of certification standard.

"Because this standard will not be the same in different countries, and in some countries it may develop into a standard for certification, because the thrust of the market is unstoppable for anyone."

Chen Ying, director of the United Nations Global Compact Council, said in an interview with the economic reference daily.

Challenge the next "magic spell" of Chinese enterprises?

It is worth noting that there are some social responsibility standards and certification (such as SA8000, Toy Association certification, clothing Association certification, etc.), some enterprises in China have also been certified, but because of not widely recognized, its impact has limitations.

"Releasing ISO26000 under such a background will change the development pattern of social responsibility to a great extent, not only pforming the original" corporate social responsibility "aiming at enterprises only to all social organizations including government agencies.

But for enterprises involved in international trade, this will become a real pressure ahead.

Zhang Li, director of Guangdong megabits garment factory, told reporters in an interview with the economic reference daily that after the introduction of the ISO26000 standard, it is also a driving force for enterprises.

Because within the limits that enterprises can afford, the introduction of this standard reminds enterprises to consider more about the employment benefits and employee benefits, and reminds enterprises to pay more attention to social responsibility and humanistic care.

But on the other hand, he also admitted his pressure. "Our export labor-intensive enterprises are in a very awkward situation and the profit margins are very small. If we emphasize the welfare of the employees too much, the business will be almost unprofitable and the business will be difficult."

Zhang Li said.

According to incomplete statistics, from the end of 2008 to the middle of March 2009, the trade barriers of the United States, the European Union and other more than 10 economic needling on Chinese goods amounted to 25. Under such unfavorable conditions, the current enterprises are facing greater pressure in fulfilling their social responsibilities. Because some export enterprises and small and medium-sized businesses are not able to get a fundamental improvement in the short term, the phenomenon of layoffs, wage cuts and other compression operations costs can not be completely avoided.

In fact, apart from the huge consumption market, the starting point of wages is relatively low. Chinese manufacturing enterprises still have a competitive advantage in terms of unit labor costs, which is the main reason why many international processing enterprises choose to settle in China.

It is understood that the unit labor cost refers to the total labor cost per unit output, which is calculated by dividing the average wage of employees by the output level of these employees.

According to the data released by the OECD, the unit labor cost level of manufacturing industry in Korea was 0.6 in 2004, 0.5 in Japan, 0.8 in Italy and Germany, 0.4 in Mexico, 0.6 in the United States, 0.7 in Spain, and only about 0.16 in China.

This year, the cost of labor in China's manufacturing industry is on the rise. This reflects that China's economic pition has reached an urgent period.

On the other hand, it is also a higher and longer term requirement for corporate social responsibility. "

An unnamed chief executive told reporters.

"Whether the whole Chinese society can accept ISO26000 is uncertain, but it is certain that there will be tremendous pressure."

The experts drafted by the above draft standards said that he told reporters that ISO26000 would be placed more closely than ever in social concern, except that it would inevitably be used to supervise and verify enterprises.

Information shows that more and more multinationals are constantly putting pressure on Chinese suppliers to meet the code of conduct in the factory's working conditions, workers' rights, health and safety and business ethics. From 1997 to July 2004, more than 8000 Chinese enterprises have accepted the audit of social responsibility by multinational companies.

Cope with structural adjustment

For such a "high-profile" standard, Chen Ying expressed his concern.

She said, because of this.

"If this standard is promoted by other countries to become a standard for certification, the relevant contents and provisions of it may even promote legislation in some countries."

Chen Ying told reporters.

However, it is worth noting that this standard may also become another barrier for some countries to export to other countries.

It is not hard to imagine that in addition to general trade lawsuits, western countries can use this standard to raise import thresholds or even exclude exports of our products, which will undoubtedly increase trade protection.

Zhang Mudi, chairman of Guangzhou Xin Ying Clothing Co., Ltd. introduced that the ISO26000 standard is mainly formulated by western countries, and it is a western standard. There is a problem of trade protection and trade barriers, because the right to formulate and the right to speak is mastered by western countries.

Zhang Mudi, for example, mainly sells products in Europe, America, France, the United States and other countries. "The other side mainly checks the quality of our products according to the product quality standards. But after the introduction of the ISO26000 standard, there is a social responsibility standard. Western customers are likely to take this standard to pick up our noses."

A person who does not want to be named.

But this is not the reason why China slows down social responsibility.

In fact, under the background of China's structural adjustment and industrial upgrading in recent years, it has hidden the great opportunities recognized by social responsibility standards.

Faced with the strategic pformation from GDP oriented to sustainable development, the idea of neglecting the impact of economic growth on resources and environment will no longer be used. The leaders of the country referred to "allowing laborers to work honorably and live with dignity".

There are indications that China's acceptance of social responsibility standards seems to be a suitable time node.

"Under such circumstances, Chinese enterprises should take a more proactive attitude to understand, prepare and meet all kinds of demands embodied in social responsibility."

Chen Ying told reporters that Chinese enterprises should take the initiative to study and think, respond to and formulate corresponding strategies, and gradually reflect and increase the share of social responsibility in the operation of enterprises.

Next is the government, the government should play a role in supervision and service, and create a social atmosphere conducive to pformation for enterprises.

Finally, the relevant industry associations and associations should independently formulate relevant social responsibility standards that conform to the industry, strive to integrate with international standards, and strive to achieve international mutual recognition, and strive for the initiative of Chinese enterprises.