A study of the relationships among three variables : Character of governance, sustainable growth and energy management

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate, for some countries, the nature of relationships among three variables: the character of governance, the potential for sustainable growth and the quality of energy management.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was based on a sample of data drawn from a database available from the World Bank. This database provides CO2 emissions and other environmental measures for 54 countries for the period 2000 to 2008. The character of governance was measured by using an indicator of character of governance constructed by Transparency International. Data were analyzed by applying the method of linear regression with panel data after the method of structural equations had been applied in a test of robustness.

Findings

The results of the analysis showed the existence of statistically significant relationships among character of governance, potential for sustainable growth and quality of energy management.

Originality/value

The results of this investigation allow for the inclusion of character of governance as a new and relevant variable in the search to understand the ways that efficient energy management may contribute to increasing opportunities for sustainable growth and development in countries.

Citation

de Jesus Lameira, V., Harris, J., Luiz Gonçalves Quelhas, O. and Pereira, R.G. (2012), "A study of the relationships among three variables : Character of governance, sustainable growth and energy management", Management of Environmental Quality, Vol. 23 No. 1, pp. 68-81. https://doi.org/10.1108/14777831211191601