Spreading social responsibility.

Hans Nieuwland's commentary on corporate social responsibility, "Heeding the Call" (August 2003) was valuable and informative. It shed light on a subject that is often not attributed the necessary significance lay businesses. It is encouraging that corporate social responsibility is on the agenda

at the international level, but there is still a long way to go before we have common corporate social responsibility standards adopted by most countries as part of their legislation regulating businesses. The companies that have already implemented social standards should set the benchmark for other businesses and governments.

Internal auditors need to effectively evaluate whether ethical values are set and promoted by management and ensure that a monitoring mechanism is in place. Auditors should also advise the board and management on best practices and recommend actions for the company to improve its performance based on international standards.

TUNCAY EFENDIOGLU, CIA

Internal Auditor

Probank SA

Nea Smirni, Greece

tefendioglu@probank.gr