Improving Social Responsibility of Inspection and Testing Institutions by Using ISO 26000

Abstract

At present, inspection and testing has become one of the most dynamic emerging service. However, some inspection and testing institutions engage in fraud for the sake of interests, which leads to damage to the interests of consumers and seriously affects the credibility of the entire industry. For example, Sanlu Group’s milk power added melamine, German Volkswagen admitted cheating in testing for carbon dioxide emissions, Japan’s automobile waste inspection fraud, Randau testing service (RTS) of the British government and police had falsified blood sample tests. Fulfilling social responsibility is an essential requirement for inspection and testing institutions to carry out activities, which is an important guarantee and obligation for credibility and an inherent need for sustainable development. Based on the research and analysis of ISO 26000, this essay focus on how to improve the social responsibility of inspection and testing institutions. It introduces basic characteristics of social responsibility of inspection and testing institutions, such as fairness, honesty and good service. Then it discusses how inspection and testing institutions fulfill their social responsibilities, especially in terms of organizational governance, labour practices and human rights, environment and community involvement, fair operating practices and customer issues.