Masters Thesis Abstract: Lara Phillips
The drivers for divergence: exploring variation in New Zealand organisational responses to climate change
It is well recognised that climate change poses strategic dilemmas for companies across a range of industries. A growing body of literature has demonstrated the apparent shift in corporate response from an initial oppositional stance to a more co-operative and proactive approach; while others continue with business as usual (Kolk et al., 2008). However, efforts to understand the actual dynamics of corporate emissions reduction programmes and the key factors that either drive or inhibit action have been limited and lacking an in-depth analysis at a local level. New Zealand has particularly difficult set of issues for emissions reduction, largely as a result of a unique emissions profile dominated by agricultural emissions, extensive forestry, and a high proportion of electricity derived from renewable sources. As a small and isolated country, many organisations are also vulnerable to international competition and increasing public concern over ‘food miles.’ As a result, New Zealand has faced persistent debate in designing its own domestic climate policy.
The aim of this research is to critically investigate New Zealand organisations’ claims and actions in regard to climate change. What are the underlying drivers which motivate and/or inhibit corporate action to address climate change? How have managerial perceptions and organisational processes influenced corporate narratives and practices? To what extent are corporate climate responses influenced by conventional business logic, institutional processes, and ethical responsibility to public pressure? Which of these lead to greater levels of commitment and action on reducing emissions, and how are these factors inter-related?
This study will investigate twelve organisations which face significant liabilities under climate change regulation. It will examine submissions made to the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme legislation, corporate annual and/or sustainability reports, and transcripts from semi-structured interviews with organisational personnel. Discourse analysis of this material will be used to unravel the dynamics of how organisational understandings pressures relating to climate change evolve over time, how these discourses become dominant within the company and how this has influenced the organisations capacity to respond, survive, and thrive in a carbon constrained world. The expectation is that this study will generate insights into the actual dynamics underlying corporate climate strategies, contributing to a better understanding of why there is divergence in corporate responses to climate change and what is needed to encourage constructive corporate action against climate change.