NEW REPORT CRITICISES COMMERCIAL SOCIAL AUDITING AND ADVOCATES ALTERNATIVE FORMS OF LABOUR STANDARDS ASSESSMENT.

Press Release, 21st September

A new report from a progressive business school argues that commercial auditing companies may be incapable of effectively addressing labourrights issues around the world. The report, published by the New Academy of Business, draws upon research conducted on banana plantations in CostaRicato assess the auditing methodology defined by Social Accountability International (SAI). Report author Jem Bendell argues that social auditingis currently based on a questionable methodology, which has been promoted by the interests of commercial auditing firms. The notion that auditors can be objective, that an audit can be a neutral test of labour conditions, and that working conditions can be assessed in a few days, are all challenged.An alternative form of auditing, which focuses on empowering workers to define, monitor and report on their own priorities is outlined. Drawing upon the insights of international development theory and practice, Bendell calls for a move beyond (anti-)social auditing to more Participatory Workplace Appraisal (PWA).

The detailed report sets out discussions during a focus group with women banana workers. The priorities of the women workers are outlined and compared to the labour standards codified in SA8000 and the Base Code of the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI). A series of problems such as long workinghours, sexual harassment and sexual discrimination are found and analysed.The report argues that the problems faced by women in banana plantations need to be addressed with a gender-aware developmental focus, rather than the tick-box approach of commercial auditing firms. The report also reflects on the use of focus groups as a method for assessing and improving labour standards.

"Towards Participatory Workplace Appraisal: Report from a Focus Group of Women Banana Workers" is intended to spark more critical debate on the practice of social auditing. The New Academy of Business is continuing itsresearch on 'Gender, Codes of Conduct and Social Auditing', and will bereporting on its findings from the Nicaraguan maquila and banana sectors in November. For more information on this research please contact veronica.towler@new-academy.ac.uk To view online, or download copies of the report, please visit: http://www.new-academy.ac.uk/bananas/tpwa.pdf

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