Obstacles and opportunities : organizational culture and environmental practices of the Vancouver Airport Authority

Abstract

This study explores the organizational culture of the Vancouver Airport Authority as it relates to environmental values and practices. The intent of this research was to investigate the effects of a particular work climate and culture on decision-making related to pro-environmental behaviours. A mixed-methods approach was taken, including a multiple regression survey of employees exploring connectivity with nature, environmental values, and environmental behaviours, and a series of grounded theory interviews probing the obstacles and opportunities to effective environmental management. The results indicate that while age and connectivity with nature were the most significant predictors of general environmental values and behaviours, work-related behaviours were best predicted by human-resource factors such as top management support, training, empowerment, teamwork, and reward programs. Obstacles and opportunities to successful environmental management, garnered from employee interviews, fit into these human resource categories. Recommendations are made both for future research and for the Vancouver Airport Authority.