Testing the Existence of a Green Contract

Abstract

The ProblemClimate change has been identified as one of the most significant challenges of this generation. Yet, little is known about the reciprocal expectations that organizations and customers have in relation to environmental issues. Moreover, the field of human resource development (HRD) has done little to date to respond to environmental challenges.The SolutionA set of four hypotheses were tested with a sample of 102 Scottish retail customers to examine some of the expectations customers have in relation to organizations. Three of the four hypotheses were proven indicating a strong correlation between levels of Customer Environmental Commitment/Action and Perceived Organizational Environmental Commitment/Action.The StakeholdersThe research identifies an important educational role for HRD practitioners in improving the training and awareness of individuals in relation to environmental issues and the dissemination of positive environmental practices and innovative approaches. It postulates the existence of five variants of a “green contract,” which distinguishes different degrees of environmental commitment and behavior shown by both customers and organizations.