Determinants of Environmental Practices with the mediating effect of Environmental Culture

Abstract

This paper examines the relationships between distinct environmental strategies - Renewable Energy Usage (REU), Recycled Materials Procurement (RMP), and Eco-friendly Production (EP) - and the resultant environmental practices within organizations, emphasizing the mediating function of environmental culture.  Applying robust theoretical models, including Institutional Theory and the Resource-Based View, the study sheds light on the intricate interplay between these strategies and improved environmental practices. The concept of 'environmental culture' is proposed as a pivotal construct that shapes how an organization responds and adapts to environmental practices.  By doing so, this paper enriches the existing literature, revealing that the efficacy of particular environmental strategies in promoting improved environmental practices is significantly magnified by fostering a potent environmental culture within the organization. This insight provides valuable guidance for corporate leaders aiming to enhance their organization's performance regarding environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles.  Although this research's conceptual nature may inherently contain some limitations, it breaks new ground in ESG research, laying the foundation for further empirical and longitudinal studies. The study concludes with an appeal for more research to identify other potential mediators and moderators that could influence environmental practices in the multifaceted, evolving landscape of sustainable business practices.