Implementation of environmental management systems standards: important factors in corporate decision-making

Halkos, George (2001): Implementation of environmental management systems standards: important factors in corporate decision-making. Published in: Journal of Environmental Assessment Policy and Management , Vol. 4, No. 3 (2002): pp. 311-328.

Abstract

While Environmental Management Systems Standards (EMSS) have been advocated by policy makers and consultants on the basis of a number of benefits associated with their implementation some companies are reluctant to implement them. This paper tests four hypotheses with regard to the significance of a number of factors in a company's decision to implement EMSS. Specifically, it assesses whether a company would be more likely to implement EMSS if its management has a positive perception of environmental issues; if there are pressures on the company to improve its environmental performance; if opportunities arise through its environmental activities; and if it operates in sensitive environmental conditions. For this purpose, Greek companies in the process of EMSS implementation were surveyed and their responses compared with companies that had not decided up to that point to implement the standards. Specific aspects of the hypotheses posed were supported and confirmed a range of factors that are important in a company's decision to implement EMSS.

• Item Type: MPRA Paper
• Language: English
• Keywords: ISO 14001, EMAS, Greek industry, decision-making
• Subjects: Q - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics ; Environmental and Ecological Economics > Q5 - Environmental Economics > Q50 - General; Q - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics ; Environmental and Ecological Economics > Q5 - Environmental Economics > Q59 - Other; L - Industrial Organization > L6 - Industry Studies: Manufacturing > L60 - General

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