social accountability

Measure of an organization's state of being mindful of the emerging social concerns and priorities of internal and external stakeholders (community, employees, governmental and nongovernmental organizations, management, and owners). It is reflected in the organization's verifiable commitment to certain factors (which may or may not be tied directly to its processes) such as (1) willing compliance with employment, health and hygiene, safety, and environment laws, (2) respect for basic civil and human rights, and (3) betterment of community and surrounding. A social compliance program is usually based on adherence to rules of social accountability, established by certified conformance to standards such as SA8000. See also corporate governance.