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Book part
Publication date: 22 October 2019

Mumbi Maria Wachira and David Wang’ombe

Though environmental management accounting (EMA) is a globally recognized accounting practice, its application and development within several developing economies remain stunted…

Abstract

Purpose

Though environmental management accounting (EMA) is a globally recognized accounting practice, its application and development within several developing economies remain stunted. The aim of this chapter is to provide an overview of the extent to which EMA practices have been implemented by local manufacturing companies in Nairobi, Kenya.

Methodology

We measure the degree to which EMA methods have been adopted by manufacturing entities and hypothesize that firm size, financial performance, and regulation are positively associated to the extent to which EMA techniques are applied by Kenyan corporations. The chapter employs a mixed methods research approach and combines the use of surveys with semi-structured interviews to gain insights into drivers of EMA and the extent to which these methods are applied locally.

Findings

We find environmental regulation and financial performance are positively associated with the level of EMA practices applied by manufacturing entities.

Originality

The findings illustrate the complexities of applying EMA practices within an emerging context and provide evidence that EMA practices are still predominantly used by entities to meet local regulatory requirements. The qualitative findings indicate there could be some companies who engage with EMA at a more sophisticated level.

Book part
Publication date: 10 December 2013

Giovanni Battista Derchi, Michael Burkert and Daniel Oyon

Organizations’ increasing concern for environment shows the interest in appropriate mechanisms that account for relevant flows of environment-related information. Today managers…

Abstract

Purpose

Organizations’ increasing concern for environment shows the interest in appropriate mechanisms that account for relevant flows of environment-related information. Today managers and researchers are promoting environmental management accounting (EMA) systems mechanisms as a means to incorporate the full spectrum of ecological data into day-to-day business decisions and foster green management execution. However implementation remains a challenge and many of the difficulties are associated with conceptual and practical problems in integrating ‘green’ information and providing guidance on effective implementation. In this context academics might investigate on further explanations on how to achieve excellence in both environmental and financial performance. Hence this chapter substantiates the need for more theoretical and empirical studies on EMA practices and proposes avenues for future research.

Approach

We review the growing body of EMA research to inform the reader of what has been studied to date and indicate the necessity for further investigation. In addition, we suggest areas for future research.

Findings

Our synthesis highlights the relevant aspects of EMA examined in prior studies. The review reveals unexplored facets that need to be investigated to complement existing knowledge. In particular researchers might explore the concept of environmental performance and the application of different forms of EMA within organizations. Moreover academics have the opportunity to further examine the role of EMA mechanisms in companies that do not pursue environmental results for economic benefits.

Value

The chapter sheds some light on EMA literature and emphasizes the opportunities that new theoretical developments and appropriate research designs offer in the investigation of the remaining gaps in the literature.

Details

Accounting and Control for Sustainability
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78052-766-6

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 March 2024

Inani Husna Zamri, Beverley R. Lord and Natasja Steenkamp

This study aims to explore farmers’ perceptions of environmental impacts of dairying and their practices towards implementing environmental management accounting (EMA) techniques.

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore farmers’ perceptions of environmental impacts of dairying and their practices towards implementing environmental management accounting (EMA) techniques.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews were held with five dairy farmers in the South Island of New Zealand (NZ).

Findings

Dairy farmers perceive environmental sustainability in dairying as being able to feed people while protecting the environment so that future generations can also enjoy the natural world. Recognising the need to alter their practices to reduce environmental damage they have produced, dairy farmers use some EMA techniques, but the primary motivation is compliance with government regulations. Other motivations for using EMA techniques are high economic returns, maintaining their reputation and self-satisfaction. Barriers to implementing EMA techniques are primarily due to lack of clarity and feasibility of regulations, coercion and inadequate communication by regulators and high compliance costs.

Originality/value

The findings contribute to the current EMA literature by providing a better understanding of EMA practices of dairy farmers in NZ, barriers to implementing EMA and how those barriers could be reduced. It may also help NZ central and local government in developing environmental strategies and policies. Furthermore, this research is expected to help people in the dairy industry to find ways to educate farmers about how the measures that are required can help them to reduce both the environmental impacts and the costs of dairying, thus contributing to sustainable development globally.

Details

Meditari Accountancy Research, vol. 32 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2049-372X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 February 2022

Nuwan Gunarathne, Ki-Hoon Lee and Pubudu K. Hitigala Kaluarachchilage

The research debate on the direct relationship between environmental strategy and environmental management accounting (EMA) is quite popular; however, integration challenges…

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Abstract

Purpose

The research debate on the direct relationship between environmental strategy and environmental management accounting (EMA) is quite popular; however, integration challenges between these two factors still persist at the firm level. This paper seeks to adopt the contingency theory perspective to examine how EMA implementation varies across organizations with different intensity levels of environmental management strategy implementation (i.e. environmental management maturity, EMM).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a web-based survey, designed and administered to public listed companies and members of three industry chambers in Sri Lanka.

Findings

This study finds that EMA implementation is significantly different among organizations at varying EMM stages. Further, it is observed that organizations at higher stages of EMM use significantly greater domain-based EMA tools and EMA for functional purposes. Therefore, the results show that when organizations progress from reactive to proactive environmental strategies, the EMA evolves to encapsulate and diversify to deal with more-sophisticated environmental management activities.

Originality/value

This is the first study to provide cross-sectional evidence on the relationship between the application of EMA tools and functional uses and the intensity of the environmental strategy pursuance (or EMM). It also proposes a multi-item comprehensive measurement tool for EMA implementation.

Details

Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, vol. 36 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0951-3574

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 July 2014

Gareth R.T. White, Matthew Lomax and Glenn Parry

– This paper aims to examine the implementation of the Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) in a non-profit, small-to-medium sized-enterprise (SME) in the UK.

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the implementation of the Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) in a non-profit, small-to-medium sized-enterprise (SME) in the UK.

Design/methodology/approach

A four-year participatory action research study is made upon knowledge transfer partnerships between the University of the West of England and the Royal Bath and West Society.

Findings

Through the adoption of EMAS, the organisation was able to identify operational improvements as well as make significant efforts to improve its environmental performance, reducing its carbon footprint by 30 tCO2e per annum and gaining new business.

Research limitations/implications

The study is made upon a single not-for-profit organisation in the UK.

Practical implications

It presents the costs, benefits and challenges that the organisation faced. Techniques that were used to successfully manage the environmental management systems (EMS) development are also discussed. The investigation identifies deficiencies in the materials that are provided to support companies that are seeking EMAS certification. To improve the uptake of these EMS and assist companies in their successful pursuit of ISO 14001 and EMAS, this supporting documentation requires enhancement.

Originality/value

There has been relatively little empirical research around the development and benefits of organisational EMS. Even less has focussed upon the specific constraints and opportunities that face non-profit organisations when implementing EMAS. This paper addresses this gap, identifying its costs and tangible benefits.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. 21 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 May 2022

Stefano Bresciani, Shafique Ur Rehman, Guido Giovando and Gazi Mahabubul Alam

This study aims to observe the influence of environmental management accounting (EMA) and environmental knowledge management (KM) practices on environmental performance with…

2432

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to observe the influence of environmental management accounting (EMA) and environmental knowledge management (KM) practices on environmental performance with mediating role of top management support (TMS). Moreover, green work climate perception (GWCP) is used as a moderator between TMS and environmental performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Partial least square-structural equation modeling is used to test research hypotheses. Data was collected to distribute questionnaires in light of the purposive sampling technique; a total of 329 questionnaires were used for final analysis. This study is correlational and cross-sectional. Multiple regression analysis was used to see the influence of EMA, environmental KM practices, TMS and GWCP on environmental performance.

Findings

The results reveal that EMA, environmental KM practices and TMS are positively related to environmental performance. Moreover, TMS significantly mediates between EMA, environmental KM practices and environmental performance. GWCP is positively associated with environmental performance. Finally, GWCP significantly strengthens the positive relationship between TMS and environmental performance.

Practical implications

This study highlighted a significant issue that of how top management uses EMA, environmental KM practices, TMS and GWCP in examining environmental performance. Moreover, this study covers the gap and supports top management to concentrate on exogenous variables to examine environmental performance.

Originality/value

This study adds value to literature to focus on factors that influence environmental performance. This initial research observes the influence of EMA and environmental KM practices on environmental performance with TMS as a mediator in light of the knowledge-based view. Besides, GWCP is used as a moderator between TMS and environmental performance. Finally, our research can provide benefits to researchers, students and managers.

Article
Publication date: 15 July 2022

Bishawjit Chandra Deb, Md. Mominur Rahman and Muhammad Shajib Rahman

This study aims to investigate the impact of environmental management accounting (EMA) on manufacturing companies’ environmental and financial performance in Bangladesh. Thus…

1643

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the impact of environmental management accounting (EMA) on manufacturing companies’ environmental and financial performance in Bangladesh. Thus, this research recognizes essential factors such as EMA, environmental performance (EP), financial performance (FP), environmental information systems (EIS), knowledge management (KM), green innovation and energy efficiency (EE).

Design/methodology/approach

This research uses a quantitative approach and uses 323 responses from the manufacturing firms. This research tests the study model through the “Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modeling” (PLS-SEM) technique using Smart PLS v3.3 software. This research uses AMOS v24 and 40% sample consideration to check the robustness. The study passes various model fit measures, i.e. reliability, validity, factor analysis and goodness of fit.

Findings

The research finds that EMA is positively and significantly associated with EP and FP. The study also finds a substantial relationship between recognized factors with EMA and EP. This research connects the stakeholder theory and institutional theory to the EMA model and shows the pressures from stakeholders and institutions reassuring the manufacturing firms to implement EMA. This research evidences that EMA enhances EP and FP.

Originality/value

The policymakers, regulators and government can consider these findings to formulate policy regarding companies’ EP and FP. Particularly, company executives can focus on KM, EIS, green innovation and EE factors for EP and FP.

Details

Journal of Accounting & Organizational Change, vol. 19 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1832-5912

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 July 2013

Stefan Schaltegger, Delphine Gibassier and Dimitar Zvezdov

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the body of literature on environmental management accounting (EMA) and provides a quantitative overview of the academic as well as the…

4914

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the body of literature on environmental management accounting (EMA) and provides a quantitative overview of the academic as well as the professional literature constituting the field. By doing so, the paper discusses whether EMA has developed as a discipline.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a database containing 814 (396 of them published in academic journals) publications in English, German and French with a publication date prior to 2012 a bibliometric analysis is conducted. Data on the publications, journals, authors and citations were collected, double‐checked and examined by applying bibliometric measures.

Findings

The bibliometric analysis identifies trends in EMA research publications which show that EMA has developed as a young discipline, but is still faces challenges to get better established in mainstream accounting and management research. Although the publication number is growing, a substantial part of the publications have been published outside mainstream accounting journals in non‐accounting journals, books and reports. A recent trend towards establishing specialised environmental (and sustainability) accounting journals is also rendered apparent. The low number of highly cited publications of few authors, however, indicates that EMA is still to become a mainstream field of research.

Originality/value

The paper discusses with the help of bibliometric analysis and measures whether EMA has developed as a discipline and whether it has become part of mainstream accounting research.

Details

Meditari Accountancy Research, vol. 21 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2049-372X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 September 2010

Aldónio Ferreira, Carly Moulang and Bayu Hendro

Increased awareness regarding environmental issues has encouraged organisations to use environmental management accounting (EMA), which has been said to deliver many benefits to…

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Abstract

Purpose

Increased awareness regarding environmental issues has encouraged organisations to use environmental management accounting (EMA), which has been said to deliver many benefits to users, including an increase in innovation. There is, however, little evidence to consubstantiate this claim and thus this paper aims to investigate the issue. It also seeks to examine the role of strategy with EMA use and innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a survey designed and administered to management accountants and financial controllers in large Australian businesses.

Findings

The analysis suggests that EMA use has a positive association with process innovation, but not with product innovation. It also finds that the effect of strategy on innovation was driven by the level of commitment to research and development. However, no statistically significant relationship between strategy and EMA use was found. The key driver of EMA use was industry.

Research limitations/implications

The small sample size is the most important limitation of this study and affected the statistical power of the analysis conducted. The results need to be interpreted with caution.

Practical implications

The study suggests that EMA use is associated with process innovation, implying that economic benefits may be realised by using this technique, while simultaneously enhancing environmental performance.

Originality/value

This is the first study to provide cross‐sectional evidence of the relationship between strategy, EMA use and innovation. It is also the first to propose a research instrument to measure EMA use as a multi‐item construct.

Details

Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, vol. 23 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0951-3574

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 December 2021

Federica Murmura, Laura Bravi and Gilberto Santos

The study provides an overview of the Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) standard and its potential in helping a company to improve its environmental performance. The work…

Abstract

Purpose

The study provides an overview of the Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) standard and its potential in helping a company to improve its environmental performance. The work aims to investigate a company's perception towards the implementation of the EMAS environmental management system with the benefits and the critical areas derived from it, the overall assessment of the certification and its possible future developments.

Design/methodology/approach

The study develops an empirical analysis of Italian EMAS III certified companies, through the administration of a questionnaire to all those Italian companies that were EMAS certified and that provided a valid e-mail address on the EMAS register. Overall, 231 Italian companies took part in the survey.

Findings

The results confirm the heterogeneous effects of an Environmental Management System depending on the company profile and highlight the positive influence of certification on environmental management. It emerges how the EMAS certification is approached more for internal reasons, and therefore gives more internal benefits to companies that implement it. Moreover, the time from which companies have been certified turns out to be a relevant factor for obtaining environmental and organizational benefits connected with EMAS certification.

Originality/value

The recent decrease in EMAS registrations has not been sufficiently studied, leaving unsolved questions for scholars, practitioners and policy-makers. Previous studies used a negativist perspective, identifying the barriers that led to the non-renewal of the certification. The present study aims to focus on the positive factors, which have led still active companies to renew the certification.

Details

The TQM Journal, vol. 34 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1754-2731

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 1000