Analysis of CSR industry standards

The article ‘Learning from others – lessons from the development of CSR sector standards’ identifies discernible patterns based on existing CSR standards. It is evident that, whilst CSR standards are highly effective in some sectors, in others a lack of thematic and sectoral scope, as well as a certain degree of tokenism, cannot be denied. 

Success factors, such as credible motivation during the development phase, the formulation of precise objectives, or regular, transparent reporting, must therefore be met without fail so that a CSR standard can effectively contribute, as a tool, to development processes and to the self-regulation of an entire sector.

This is because a well-designed CSR standard yields benefits for businesses as well as for civil society and the political sphere. In the tourism sector in particular, a standardised industry standard offers, above all, the opportunity to reduce the inefficiencies of the currently numerous sustainability labels.