Strategic environmental management in the Greek chemical industry: results from an exploratory study of selected companies

The aim of this paper is to explore the state of environmental management of three large chemical companies in Greece, using the case study approach. To begin with, a number of models of corporate environmental responsiveness are reviewed and compared. Two of them are used as a basis for classifying the selected firms. An operational tool is developed, in order to gather qualitative data from the companies regarding their environmental responsiveness. The findings suggest that, although Greek chemical companies are environmentally conscious, they conform to rather than advocate environmental issues. Implications are, then, drawn from the study and suggestions are made for a proactive environmental responsiveness in the context of the Greek chemical industry. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.