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ARE ‘STANDARD’ SYSTEMS RIGHT FOR SMEs?

1996; Wiley; Volume: 3; Issue: 2 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1002/(sici)1099-0925(199607)3

1099-0925

Jason Palmer, Rita van der Vorst,

Corporate Social Responsibility Reporting

Eco-Management and AuditingVolume 3, Issue 2 p. 91-96 Research Article ARE ‘STANDARD’ SYSTEMS RIGHT FOR SMEs? Jason Palmer, Corresponding Author Jason Palmer Eclipse Research Consultants, Cambridge, UK and Department of Manufacturing and Engineering Systems, Brunel University, Uxbridge, UKEclipse Research Consultants, Cambridge, UK and Department of Manufacturing and Engineering Systems, Brunel University, Uxbridge, UKSearch for more papers by this authorRita van der Vorst, Rita van der Vorst Department of Manufacturing and Engineering Systems, Brunel University, Uxbridge, UKSearch for more papers by this author Jason Palmer, Corresponding Author Jason Palmer Eclipse Research Consultants, Cambridge, UK and Department of Manufacturing and Engineering Systems, Brunel University, Uxbridge, UKEclipse Research Consultants, Cambridge, UK and Department of Manufacturing and Engineering Systems, Brunel University, Uxbridge, UKSearch for more papers by this authorRita van der Vorst, Rita van der Vorst Department of Manufacturing and Engineering Systems, Brunel University, Uxbridge, UKSearch for more papers by this author First published: July 1996 https://doi.org/10.1002/(SICI)1099-0925(199607)3:2 3.0.CO;2-CCitations: 8AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat Abstract A brief outline is given of the standards for environmental management currently being promoted in the UK (BS 7750 and EMAS) and a critique is provided of the model for change they propose. Recent research into the take-up of standards by small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is given and an original explanation offered for the lack of enthusiasm small organizations display towards them. Taking a detailed review of previously published work, two published surveys and our own surveys of activity by SMEs on the environment as a foundation, a detailed discussion is built of: (i) whether the management systems embedded in BS 7750 and EMAS are incompatible with the culture, or style, of management in smaller organizations; (ii) how low levels of training conspire with immense pressure on resources to slow the progress of a formal systems approach in small organizations; and (iii) how motivation for environmental action in SMEs differs from that in big business. In spite of the advantages SMEs have over larger counterparts in implementing change, they are at a disadvantage when it comes to certification or verification to a standard. Few smaller organizations have the incentive they need to set up a formal environmental management system. Citing Literature Volume3, Issue2July 1996Pages 91-96 RelatedInformation