obligation to make a sincere effort
A legal or regulatory duty to try one's best, rather than a strict obligation to achieve a specific result. Common in Japanese law and guidelines.
Under this law, businesses have an obligation to make a sincere effort regarding safety measures.
Just because it's an obligation to make an effort doesn't mean you can do nothing.
義務 is a strict duty or obligation, while 努力義務 is a softer obligation to make an effort.
責務 is a responsibility or duty, often moral or social, whereas 努力義務 is a legal concept of required effort.
Compound of 努力 (effort) and 義務 (obligation). A modern legal term.