Analysis of competitive advantages of organization with the implemented standards of social responsibility sa 8000 and iso 26000:2010

The level socially responsible business activity of organizations is becoming an increasingly important factor that defines the organization's overall competitive advantage. Insufficient awareness of management and low level of awareness of the benefits brought by the standards of social responsibility implemented in organizations are the main reason for the small number of organizations certified to SA 8000 standards in Croatia. In comparison with developed economies the proportion of organizations with the SA 8000 standard implemented in Croatia is very low, namely the number of certified companies is less than 1% of all registered businesses in Croatia. In addition to internal competitive advantages which are achieved through compliance with the guidelines of international standards with SA 8000, socially responsible organizations often use the opportunity to take advantage of implemented standard for marketing. In the most developed world economies, organisations are rising the levels of socially responsible marketing in three directions, which are based on appropriate legal, ethical and socially responsible behaviour. International standard SA 8000 and International Standard ISO 26000:2010 give guidance to organizations and offices on how to improve their business and working relations. Mentioned standards provide concrete tools for improving until an internationally recognized certification bodies carry out certification audits to issue certificates to organizations that are arranged in accordance with the guidelines SA 8000. Application of standards for social responsibility in organizations has brought additional changes in the areas of health and safety at work, interpersonal relations and internal and external communication, also there was an increase in the level of transparency and the general openness. It also changed the way of working through the control of working conditions. These improvements have a positive impact on the overall business of organizations, their position in the labour market and the overall position in the community. SA 8000 and ISO 26000:2010 are regulating human rights as well as reducing possibility of sexual, racial and other discrimination. The fundamental difference between the standard SA 8000 and ISO 26000:2010 is that ISO 26000:2010 is not intended for certification and it is used as a set of instructions for establishing socially responsible businesses SA 8000 is intended for certification and is compatible with other ISO standards, so it can be implemented as an integrated management system along with other ISO standards (ISO 9001:2008, ISO 14001:2004). The aim of this paper is to increase awareness and knowledge on standards for socially responsible business and the benefits organizations receive after the implementation of these standards.