ISO 9001
International standard for quality management systems
ISO 26000
International guidance standard for social responsibility
Quick Verdict
ISO 9001 certifies quality management systems for operational excellence and customer satisfaction, while ISO 26000 guides social responsibility across ethics, environment and stakeholders. Companies adopt ISO 9001 for market access and efficiency; ISO 26000 for ethical credibility and sustainability.
ISO 9001
ISO 9001:2015 Quality management systems – Requirements
ISO 26000
ISO 26000:2010 Guidance on social responsibility
Key Features
- Seven core subjects for holistic social responsibility
- Seven principles underpinning ethical decision-making
- Non-certifiable guidance applicable to all organizations
- Stakeholder engagement for issue prioritization
- Integration with management systems like ISO 14001
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
ISO 9001 Details
What It Is
ISO 9001:2015 is the international certification standard for quality management systems (QMS). It specifies requirements for organizations to consistently meet customer and regulatory needs through a process-based approach, emphasizing risk-based thinking and the PDCA cycle.
Key Components
- 10 clauses (4-10 auditable): context, leadership, planning, support, operation, performance evaluation, improvement
- Built on **seven quality management principlescustomer focus, leadership, engagement of people, process approach, improvement, evidence-based decisions, relationship management
- High-Level Structure (Annex SL) enables integration with other ISO standards
- Voluntary third-party certification with audits
Why Organizations Use It
- Enhances customer satisfaction, operational efficiency, cost savings
- Meets market/contractual demands; over 1M certifications worldwide
- Manages risks proactively, boosts reputation and competitiveness
- Builds stakeholder trust via demonstrated continual improvement
Implementation Overview
- Gap analysis, process mapping, training, internal audits, certification
- Applicable to any size/sector; 6-12 months typical for medium organizations
- Ongoing surveillance audits every 3 years
ISO 26000 Details
What It Is
ISO 26000:2010 is an international guidance standard on social responsibility (SR). It provides voluntary, non-certifiable framework applicable to all organizations, focusing on integrating SR into governance and operations. Its principles-based approach emphasizes holistic impact assessment via stakeholder engagement.
Key Components
- Seven **core subjectsorganizational governance, human rights, labor practices, environment, fair operating practices, consumer issues, community involvement.
- Seven **principlesaccountability, transparency, ethical behavior, respect for stakeholder interests, rule of law, international norms, human rights.
- No fixed controls; guidance for prioritization and integration.
- Non-certifiable; uses self-assessment and transparent reporting.
Why Organizations Use It
- Enhances sustainability commitment, risk management, and stakeholder trust.
- Aligns with SDGs, OECD, GRI for ESG reporting.
- Builds resilience, competitive edge, talent retention without certification burden.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: materiality assessment, stakeholder engagement, policy integration, training.
- Applies universally across sizes, sectors, geographies.
- No audits required; leverage existing systems like ISO 14001/45001.
Key Differences
| Aspect | ISO 9001 | ISO 26000 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Quality management systems, processes, continual improvement | Social responsibility guidance, 7 core subjects like human rights, environment |
| Industry | All industries, sizes, sectors worldwide | All organizations, public/private/non-profit globally |
| Nature | Certifiable management system standard, voluntary | Non-certifiable guidance, voluntary, no requirements |
| Testing | Third-party certification audits, internal audits, surveillance | Self-assessment, stakeholder engagement, no formal audits |
| Penalties | Loss of certification, market exclusion | No penalties, reputational risks only |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ISO 9001 and ISO 26000
ISO 9001 FAQ
ISO 26000 FAQ
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