Exploring the case of ISO26000 social responsibility standard as a pathway to a sustainable maritime industry

Abstract

Sustainable Development Goals aimed at establishing a universal framework in which organisations should balance their environmental, social and economic objectives. By extension, a growing body of literature has promulgated corporate social responsibility as a suitable management model to facilitate organisations' transition to sustainable development. Accordingly, the International Maritime Organisation has redefined its strategy to ensure the contribution of the maritime sector to such latest global sustainability venture. However, little research has been conducted to identify whether specific social responsibility models could contribute to SDGs achievement. Employing a content analysis method, this study explores the causative role of ISO 26000 social responsibility guidelines to SDGs realisation. The results indicated a broad range of SDGs requirements to be adequately addressed by ISO 26000 standard. In fact, this stimulates a broad range of rationales for engaging ISO 26000 guidelines in shipping, as a mean to ensure an organisation's sustainable pathway.