Development and validation of a scale to measure the benefits of Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification

Abstract

This study aimed to present the development and validation of a scale to assess the benefits of FSC certification. A study of this kind was not found in the literature, making the application innovative, especially for the Brazilian context. The variables to compose the scale were built through a systematic review of the literature, as well as interviews with those responsible for certification in the investigated companies and on-site observation. Further, based on the results of a survey, the scale was validated through principal component analysis. The results revealed the existence of two factors for the economic dimension and three factors for the social dimension. In conclusion, the scale is an alternative for empirical investigations and applied work in organizations, and can guide measures aimed at enhancing the benefits of certification. Moreover, as this scale was built following theoretically robust parameters, constitutes a model to be tested in studies with similar characteristics.