The association between the adoption of an environmental management system with organisational environmental performance

Abstract

AbstractThis paper examines the adoption and effectiveness of environmental management initiatives. Specifically, it examines the association between the adoption of an environmental management system (EMS), both ISO14001-certified and non-certified, and the use of nine specific environmental management initiatives with environmental performance. Data were collected by mail survey questionnaire from a stratified random sample of 899 senior financial officers in Australian manufacturing organisations. The findings indicate that while organisations with an EMS achieved higher environmental performance, ISO14001 certification did not affect environmental performance. In addition, four environmental management initiatives were positively associated with environmental performance: having a documented plan of action for complying with relevant regulations; communicating documented procedures to employees; training employees to implement environmental procedures; and conducting internal and external audits to monitor the impact of operations on the environment. The findings provide management with an insight into the emphasis they should place on environmental management initiatives to improve their environmental performance.Keywords: environmental management systemISO14001environmental performanceoperational environmental performancemanagement environmental performance Notes1. 'A management system is a set of interrelated elements used to establish policy and objectives and to achieve those objectives. It includes organisational structure, planning activities, responsibilities, practices, procedures, processes and resources' (International Organisation for Standardization Citation2004, p. 2).2. Iraldo et al. (Citation2009), Wagner (Citation2008), Yuksel (Citation2008), Anton et al. (Citation2004) and Morrow and Rondinelli (Citation2002) all report a positive association while Cary and Roberts (Citation2011), Hertin et al. (Citation2009), and Montabon et al. (Citation2000) find no association.3. The Onesource database provides details of manufacturing organisations in Australia.4. The Dillman (Citation2007) tailored design method provides guidelines in respect to the format and style of questions, personalisation, and distribution procedures.5. A seven-point scale has more discrimination than a five-point scale. It provides a more accurate measure of a respondent's perception and is more appropriate for unsupervised questionnaires (Nunnally Citation1978; Finstad Citation2010).