Towards Environmental Responsibility in Business

Abstract

This project is a multiple case study investigation into the decision to adopt environmental responsibility within business. The objective of the research is to answer the question “why should companies exercise environmental responsibility”? The research begins with a literature review (part one) ascertaining the need for this research and the level of previous study in the area. This shows that existing literature is limited. Research to date focuses on verifying the existence of environmental responsibility. A clear requirement for more extensive research in the field is apparent. A model is proposed whereby environmental responsibility arises from an interaction of stakeholder pressures, profit motives, and barriers to action. Case studies were carried out of seven companies exercising environmental responsibility in their UK operations. Findings of the study are analysed and support for the proposed model is established. The conclusions of the study show that profit and the environment should be reconciled in industry, and that through careful use of the model provided many businesses will find that they can profit from exercising environmental responsibility.