Strategies for managing environmental issues in construction organizations

Fergusson, H and Langford, D A (2006) Strategies for managing environmental issues in construction organizations. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 13(2), pp. 171-185. ISSN 0969-9988

Abstract

Purpose - The purpose of this research is to study the strategies used by construction organizations in dealing with environmental issues. It identifies the factors which govern a firm's performance in respect of environmental management and explores the management strategies which are used to generate good environmental performance. The paper also seeks to consider the techniques adopted in pursuit of these strategies and to compare their effectiveness. Design/methodology/approach - The research reviews the strategic management and environmental management and then proceeds to a case study investigation of six construction organizations. The case studies seek to uncover the variables that influence strategies for managing environmental issues. A cross-case analysis provides an indication of the characteristics of those companies that demonstrate a higher environmental concern. Findings - As environmental strategies are developed, the competencies in managing environmental issues will grow and lead to improved business performance. The growth in an organization's environmental competence provides the opportunity for increased competitive advantage. Originality/value - A model is developed which illustrates the relationship between environmental management, business strategy and competitive advantage.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: competitive advantage; construction industry; environmental management; strategic management; United Kingdom
Index terms: United Kingdom, business strategy, strategy, environmental issue, business performance, cross-case analysis, methodology, competence, strategic management, environmental concern, case study, construction organization, management strategy, competitive advantage, environmental performance, environmental management, construction industry, effectiveness, investigation
Subjects: market analysis, industry analysis, performance measurement, management, sustainability assessment, performance management, research methods, Geography, personnel development, data analysis and analytics, data collection methods, organization, business, environmental issues
Topics: Geographical Context, Research Practice, Business Strategy, Sustainability, Human Resources, Quality Management
Descriptive scope: 5 PCTEA

N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here