Implementing the ISO 14001 certification: An empirical study of an Algerian company in the process of certification

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to shed light on the reality of environmental management as experienced by an Algerian company while in the process of being certified.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach adopted focuses on how the environmental dimension is perceived by the wage earners of the company. The perception of the environmental dimension is highlighted by means of a statistical analysis supported by the use of data processing software.

Findings

The results show that all staff categories agree that the environmental aspect is to some extent neglected compared to other aspects and that production comes at the forefront.

Practical implications

The analysis of the results highlights the course that should be followed by any Algerian company, such as the one selected in our study, in order to implement the ISO 14001 certification successfully.

Originality/value

The interesting focus of the paper is in the human aspect, which plays a major role in any successful environmental management system

Citation

Bahmed, L., Djebabra, M., Boubaker, L. and Boukhalfa, A. (2009), "Implementing the ISO 14001 certification: An empirical study of an Algerian company in the process of certification", Management of Environmental Quality, Vol. 20 No. 2, pp. 156-165. https://doi.org/10.1108/14777830910939462