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Journal Name: Asian Business & Management: December 2008, Volume 7, Number 4
Articles
Strategy, Climate Change, and the Japanese Firm: Rethinking the Global Competitive Landscape of a Warming Planet (pp407-423)
Jacob Park (Green Mountain College, One Brennan Circle, Poultney, VT 05764, USA)
Abstract:
Because of the growing awareness of the important role the business sector plays in global environmental governance, there is a critical need for a more nuanced understanding of how multinational corporations in Japan and other advanced industrialized countries manage their corporate environmental and social responsibility concerns. This paper examines the current and future direction of Japanese business responses to the climate change issue and seeks to advance our understanding of the important links among climate change, business strategy, and Japanese companies. Three issues and questions will be analyzed in this paper. First, how and in what manner has Japanese industry responded to previous energy and environmental management challenges? Second, how are Japanese companies responding to the challenges posed by global climate change? Third, what are the important issues and questions in designing and developing the next generation of climate change strategies for Japanese companies?
Keywords: Japan, climate change, business strategy, corporate responsibility, sustainability
A Road Map for Regional Emissions Trading in Asia (pp425-444)
Christine Loh and Andrew Stevenson (Civic Exchange, Room 701, Hoseinee House, 69 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong)
Abstract:
Because of the urgency of emerging science, developed and developing countries in Asia and around the world will soon be asked to make greater commitments to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In the case of Asia, emissions trading schemes present significant financial opportunities and regulatory obstacles for Asian businesses, as well as new challenges in regional and global co-operation on North-South technology transfer and development. Despite these challenges and opportunities, this article argues that there is still a dearth of academic literature addressing the use of these mechanisms in Asia as a strategy for GHG reduction and development promotion, and seeks to provide an overview and to suggest possible solutions in order to spur further climate change-related research, dialogue and action in the context of Asia.
Keywords: climate change, Asia, business, emissions trading
Creating a Green Brand for Competitive Distinction (pp445-466)
Nicole Darnall (Department of Environmental Science & Policy, George Mason University, 4400 University Drive, MSN 5F2 Fairfax, VA 22030, USA)
Abstract:
This research examines the question of how an environmentally proactive hotel can gain competitive distinction by way of 'green' branding. It demonstrates that not all green branding options are created equal. The two most widely recognized options, unilateral commitments and participation in voluntary environmental programs, have significant variations in their ability to inform relevant constituencies, achieve external legitimacy and add firm value. To illustrate these points, this research systematically evaluates the efforts of Damaí Lovina Villas, a small boutique Indonesian hotel, to promote its environmental activities by way of developing a green brand. Further, this study develops a framework that other companies can use to assess their green branding options.
Keywords: environmental strategy, green branding, voluntary environmental program, certification, green hotel, case study
A Cross-Country Empirical Comparison of Environmental Supply Chain Management Practices in the Automotive Industry (pp467-488)
Qinghua Zhu (School of Management, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning Province 116024, PR China), Jo Crotty (Aston Business School, Aston Triangle, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK) and Joseph Sarkis (cGraduate School of Management, Clark University, 950 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01610, USA)
Abstract:
In this paper we employ a 'pressures-practice-performance' framework to compare the adoption and influence of Environmental Supply Chain Management (ESCM) practices within the automotive sector in two economies on different trajectories, the UK and China. Using an empirical study of 128 organizations, 39 in the UK and 89 in China, we investigate and tease out some characteristic observations on ESCM pressures, practices and performance within the automotive industry. We provide a general comparative analysis of ESCM pressures, practices and performance, with a focus on the similarities and differences between these two countries. Using ipsative t-tests analysis, our results show that there are more similarities than differences between ESCM pressures, practices and performance in these two countries. The possibility of variations in market development stages has caused the UK's automotive organizations to experience fewer external pressures and greater internal pressures. Chinese automotive organizations implement generally higher levels of ESCM practices than UK automotive organizations; however, this difference has not resulted in significantly greater performance improvements.
Keywords: environmental supply chain management, automotive industry, empirical analysis, UK, China
Water Pollution in China: How Can Business Influence for Good? (pp489-509)
Rebecca Nelson (Blake Dawson, Melbourne, 101 Collins Street, Melbourne, Vic. 3000, Australia)
Abstract:
Despite China's comprehensive system of environmental laws and standards, poor water quality is widespread. This has significant detrimental effects on Chinese society and business, and causes serious economic losses. Academic commentary on this issue has largely focused on increasing the effectiveness of government enforcement of laws related to water pollution. However, effective enforcement will depend on legal and institutional reform, and problems are unlikely to be solved quickly. As a result, it is necessary to look beyond the state. This paper argues that some businesses, here termed 'influencing firms', have significant capacity to influence other businesses ('target firms') to improve China's environmental situation. This paper brings together recent empirical research, documented case studies, and public corporate reports to demonstrate how and why influential firms can and should use their influence for environmental good in this context. Four key tools are suggested for influencing firms to encourage improved environmental management in target firms: (1) green supply chain management measures; (2) influencing through business groups; (3) publishing environmental performance reports; and (4) forming alliances with environmental groups.
Keywords: supply chain management, water pollution, China, environmental reporting, environmental law, corporate social responsibility
(This journal is available online: http://www.palgrave-journals.com/abm)
Posted with permission from the publisher.
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