"Human rights due diligence: Summary of the results of the survey conducted by the German Global Compact Network and econsense", Jul 2014

Goal: Overview of the use of current tools and guidelines that support the implementation of the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights...The response rate and the composition of the random sample demonstrate how companies  are systematically addressing the issue of business and human rights – regardless of their size.  Even small- and medium-sized enterprises are beginning to address the issue of business and human rights – regardless of their size. Participants predominantly considered the observance of human rights standards as important for the long-term success of their business. The high degree of abstraction of the UN Guiding Principles illustrates the complexity of the topic of business and human rights. Although the majority of companies surveyed is familiar with the operational principles of respecting and protecting human rights and has in many cases already taken measures, there are differences in the interpretation and application of these principles on a practical level. In addition, details were only sporadically given regarding collaboration with internal and external stakeholders. The level of awareness of the surveyed tools and guidelines supporting businesses is high. However, practical experience – especially with regard to the available tools – was generally scarce. Fee-based tools in particular are rarely used. Instruments that boast a high level of awareness and intensity of use include company-wide databases with practical examples or tools as well as overall thematic introduction...