Determinants of environmental management systems standards implementation: evidence from Greek industry

This paper employs logistic regression analysis to test a model that predicts the implementation or not of Environmental Management Systems Standards (EMSS) by considering various factors as explanatory variables. The dependent variable is a dichotomous as either implementing or not EMSS by industrial firms. From past experience we identify 15 major variables contributing to implementation of EMSS. A sample of 259 respondents (84 implementing and 175 not) is used to estimate the parameters of the logistic regression model employing maximum likelihood. The results show an overall significant model with 4 of the 15 variables significant. The significance of management perception of environmental issues on their decision to implement EMSS was confirmed with regards to their perception on win-win possibilities. Pressure on companies to improve their environmental performance does not result in higher uptake of the standards. Company’s image and size are important factors in its decision to implement EMSS.