Narrowing Gaps for Social Risk Prevention: Social Management Systems Integration

摘要

A widespread weakness in businesses for the management of social risks is the inadequate integration of social management systems with those environmental, health and safety (EHS). Moreover, if this lack of integration is added on top of an underdeveloped social management system, the gaps are reinforced. Without a doubt, the historical process by which management systems were created explains part of the story. Quality management systems (QMS) have been in place since 1987, when the first version of ISO 9001 was issued with the purpose of improving the quality of in line production, focused on process control and profitability. Social management became important in the 1990s, but due to its relative subjectivity and diversity, its introduction in many companies was seen as in conflict with the objectivity of the traditional management systems. Through our experience developing due diligence processes for sustainable finance, according to Equator Principles and the International Finance Corporation Performance Standards, we have compiled key good practices that aim for narrowing the gap between both systems. By reviewing the recommended practices for an efficient PDCA cycle (plan, do, check and act) implementation, and experiences in different stages of the cycle, we have found conditions that hinder the development of robust social management systems and their integration into a socio-environmental-health and safety management system. In the Latin American context, these conditions are associated with a widespread culture of informality, strong prejudices regarding gender and status, and diverse social management criteria and concepts (for instance due to different languages), among others. Having a robust social management system integrated with EHS management is a business essential, and therefore its development must consider both the organizations' practical needs and a sustainability approach, even if it requires thinking outside the certifications' proposed frames.