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Keywords Environment, Sustainable development, Human resource management, International standards
Abstract Currently, many businesses are implementing a proactive, strategic tool known as an environmental management system (EMS) to gain a competitive advantage. Companies can no longer simply use compliance plans to deal with environmental concerns; consumer demands for greener products and services, and operational efficiencies require long term strategic and sustainable approaches for environmental management. An EMS includes documentation of: commitment and policy; planning; implementation; measurement and evaluation; and review and improvement. Establishment and maintenance of an EMS can be costly and time consuming, therefore implementation should be carefully structured to assure success. This paper identifies human resource (HR) factors such as top management support, environmental training, employee empowerment, teamwork, and rewards systems as key elements of the implementation process of an EMS. Furthermore, the interaction of these factors is examined in terms of the five categories of an EMS mentioned above. Finally, a conceptual model of the EMS-HR factors is proposed to assist in proper facilitation of the environmental management program.
Introduction
Rapid industrial growth over the last two centuries has advanced mankind and the standard of living for many worldwide; however, this growth has often come at the cost of the natural environment. In response, many researchers have recently suggested an increasing need for management theory development in the area of ecological sustainability and the business system (Gladwin et al., 1995; Jennings and Zandbergen, 1995; Shrivastava, 1995; Starik and Rands, 1995; Stuart, 1995).
In the environmental literature, the concept of ecologically sustainable development has varied definitions; all of which generally, seek to explain the need for balance between industrial growth and safeguarding the natural environment so that future generations may thrive (Jennings and Zandbergen, 1995; Shrivastava, 1995; Starik and Rand, 1995; World Commission on Environment and Development, 1987). Yet, the issue of how an individual organization or entire society achieves such sustainability is still unclear. Thus, research on how businesses may structure their facilities to enhance opportunities for sustainability seems paramount.
In addition, growing global environmental concerns and the development of international environmental standards are creating the need for businesses to adopt formal environmental strategies and programs. Traditionally, a majority of US corporations have used the compliance approach in their environmental programs...