15 page summary of thesis

2005 ONE Dissertation Award, abstract #3External InfluencesIndustry InfluencesMARKETSCost-benefitanalysis ofcommercial benefitand marketabilitySCIENCEScientificknowledge andexpertise in theassessment ofcause andconsequenceInternal InfluencesCorporateenvironmentalcommitmentSOCIAL SYSTEMDiscourses ofknowledge building,understanding andconsensus buildingPOLITICALSYSTEMPolitical culture,governmentinfluences andregulatoryenvironmentFigure 1. Four systems of influence on corporate environmental commitment(Adapted from Renn (2001))The relationships between these four systems of influences and the nature of decisionmakingabout environmental management are shown in Figure 1. This figure, while itperhaps simplifies complex processes, also acknowledges and integrates the value ofsocial, political and discursive dimensions of decision-making with the economic,scientific and regulatory environments in which drivers are acknowledged, framed andnegotiated upon. At the core of this figure are the features of a well-developed approachto the development of environmental policy. That is, by balancing social, political, marketconsiderations and scientific knowledge, environmental management policy and practiceis likely to be efficient, embrace knowledge and competence, acknowledge values andfairness and, ultimately, be socially and politically legitimised. Renn’s (2001) discussionapplies to public policy development. However, the position taken in this thesis is thatthese four subsystems are also relevant in corporate environmental commitment andThe motivations for environmental commitment in the airline industry: A case study of Scandinavian Airlines 5