Environmental Issues and Business Management in the IT Sector

This project examines the significant influence of environmental issues on business management, specifically within the IT sector. The study begins with an introduction and background, followed by a comprehensive literature review exploring environmental challenges like pollution, climate change, ...Read More

Running head: ENVIRONMENT ISSUES INFLUENCE ON BUSINESS
ENVIRONMENT ISSUES INFLUENCE ON BUSINESS
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

1ENVIRONMENT ISSUES INFLUENCE ON BUSINESS
Executive Summary
The study is essentially based on finding the effect of environmental issues on business
management in the current world pertaining to the IT sector. In consideration of this, the study
has followed a systematic format whereby the first chapter has laid down the background of the
study. This is then followed by the discussion on the Literature review and then followed by the
Research methodology which discussed the various research methods which were applied for the
study. The fourth chapter was based on the findings and discussion through which it was found
that the environmental issues have a considerate influence on the business management. In
regards to this, a strong association between the variables was established and the last chapter
provides certain recommendations and concludes the study. The recommendations which have
been provided will be useful for the different businesses so as to enable them to attain the overall
success and manage the environmental issues well.

2ENVIRONMENT ISSUES INFLUENCE ON BUSINESS
Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................5
Overview......................................................................................................................................5
Research aim................................................................................................................................6
Research Objectives.....................................................................................................................6
Research Questions......................................................................................................................6
Research Hypothesis....................................................................................................................7
Research Rationale......................................................................................................................7
Format of the study......................................................................................................................8
Chapter 2: Literature review..........................................................................................................10
Overview....................................................................................................................................10
Environmental Issues.................................................................................................................10
Business Management...............................................................................................................11
The model of conceptual framework.........................................................................................12
Environmental Issues affecting the business.............................................................................12
Business management in organization.......................................................................................14
Relationship among environmental issues and business management......................................15
Improvement and the mitigation of the environmental issues by firm’s management..............18

3ENVIRONMENT ISSUES INFLUENCE ON BUSINESS
Research Gap.............................................................................................................................21
Chapter 3: Research methodology.................................................................................................23
Introduction................................................................................................................................23
Research Philosophy..................................................................................................................23
Research Approach....................................................................................................................24
Research Design........................................................................................................................24
Data collection procedure..........................................................................................................24
Data analysis..............................................................................................................................25
Research strategy.......................................................................................................................25
Sampling technique...................................................................................................................26
Ethical considerations................................................................................................................26
Summary....................................................................................................................................26
Chapter 4: Data analysis and discussion........................................................................................27
Overview....................................................................................................................................27
Descriptive Analysis..................................................................................................................27
Inferential Analysis....................................................................................................................35
Correlation.................................................................................................................................35
Regression..................................................................................................................................38
Findings.....................................................................................................................................40
Discussions................................................................................................................................41

4ENVIRONMENT ISSUES INFLUENCE ON BUSINESS
Chapter 5: Conclusion and recommendations...............................................................................47
Overview....................................................................................................................................47
Linking to Objectives................................................................................................................47
Limitations of the study and Future scope.................................................................................47
Recommendations......................................................................................................................48
References......................................................................................................................................51
Appendix........................................................................................................................................55
Questionnaire.............................................................................................................................55

5ENVIRONMENT ISSUES INFLUENCE ON BUSINESS
Introduction
Overview
In the recent times, there have been several environmental issues which have depleted the
natural resources and placed a huge strain on the livelihoods of the different individuals. Along
with the lives of the individuals, the environmental issues have also had a huge influence on the
business management and operations (Joshi , Kathuria and Das 2019). The various ways in
which the environmental issues tend to influence and have an impact on the business
management can be contributed to the pollution, waste disposal, water quality and climate
change.
According to Hirunyawipada and Xiong (2018), the pollution can be stated to be one of
the largest environmental issues. The pollution leads to poor impact on product and service
quality along with influencing the life of the human capital employed in the businesses as well.
Another key environmental impact affecting business management in today`s world is Climate
change. The climate change not only has implications on the overall environment but has far
reaching impacts on the social, economic as well as the political status as well. The climate
change also creates higher demand for the energy due to the temperatures and related
conditioning used. Hence, this ultimately leads to higher costs for the businesses and excess
pressure on the natural resources of the business like the fossil fuels and the water sources. The
climate change has a negative influence on the agricultural sector as well which influences the
food availability along with safety (King and Mackey 2016). In addition to this, the changes in
the environment and the new governmental policies have made it difficult for the different
businessmen to follow the rules and regulations carefully and in addition to this; their

6ENVIRONMENT ISSUES INFLUENCE ON BUSINESS
responsibility towards the environment often leads clashes in shareholder interest. Hence,
through this study, the influence of the environment on the business management will be
examined.
Research aim
The primary aim of the research is to outline the manner in which the environment
influences the business management and to establish a strong association between them. In
consideration of this, the study will seek to establish a relationship between the environmental
issues in the 21st century and the business management in the IT sector. Once the association has
been established, the study will recommend certain ways using which the different businesses
will be successfully able to overcome the environmental issues as challenges and head towards a
successful and sustainable future.
Research Objectives
The research objectives which have been set out for the study can be taken to be as
follows:
 To examine the concept of environmental issues affecting the business in the IT sector
 To examine the ways in which business management is carried out in organizations in the
IT sector
 To establish a relationship between the environmental issues and the business
management in the IT sector
 To provide recommendations based on which the firm`s management of the business can
be improved and the environmental issues can be essentially mitigated.

7ENVIRONMENT ISSUES INFLUENCE ON BUSINESS
Research Questions
The research questions which have been formulated for the study can be stated to be as
follows:
 What are the concepts of environmental issues affecting the business in the IT sector?
 What are the ways in which business management is carried out in organizations in the IT
sector?
 What relationships exist between the environmental issues and the business management
in the IT sector?
 What recommendations can be stated based on which the firm`s management of the
business can be improved and the environmental issues can be essentially mitigated?
Research Hypothesis
The research hypothesis can be essentially described as a clear, specific and a verified
proposition or a statement based on which the outcome of the scientific research can be carried
out effectively. The hypothesis is generally based on a particular characteristic of the population.
This characteristic can be stated to be the differences between groups or the relationships which
exist between the variables. The research hypothesis which has been set for the paper can be
stated to be as follows:
Independent variable: The environmental issues
Dependent variable: Business management
Hypothesis

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Alternate Hypothesis (H1): The Environmental issues have a significant impact on the Business
management.
Null Hypothesis (H0): The Environmental issues do not have a significant impact on the
Business management.
Research Rationale
The reason why conducting this research is relevant because, the business facets have
been changing to a great extent and in consideration of this, it becomes essentially crucial for the
enterprise to ensure that they are able to strategize adequately (Joshi, Kathuria and Das 2019).
This simply means that, due to the environmental changes, the policies adopted by the
government have changed to a great extent but it often becomes very difficult for the enterprise
to strategize adequately so that they are not only being able to abide by these issues but also
abide by the stakeholder needs. Hence, the study aims to ensure that an association between the
business management and the environmental issues. Moreover, this study will help the
businesses in carrying out the operations in the right manner.
Format of the study
The study will follow the given format:
Chapters Contents
Introduction The first chapter will be focused on setting the
base for the study. The research objectives,
research questions and the research hypothesis
will be set out.
Literature review The literature review will look into the analysis

9ENVIRONMENT ISSUES INFLUENCE ON BUSINESS
of similar researchers carried out by authors
who have carried out similar studies, in line
with concepts of business management and
environmental issues will be assessed and
explained.
Research Methodology The research methodology as the third chapter
will lay down the research methods which will
be adopted for the study. In consideration of
this, the research methods will be discussed
and their suitability for the study will be
mentioned as well.
Analysis and Findings The analysis and findings chapter will analyze
the findings of the study and discuss on it.
Conclusions and Recommendations The fifth chapter on the conclusion and
recommendations will provide conclusions and
summarize the study. The aim of the chapter
will also be to provide certain
recommendations based on which the overall
objectives of the study will be explained
consistently.

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Chapter 2: Literature review
Overview
The entire planet is thoroughly plagued by environmental challenges which deplete the
natural and fundamental resources as well as strain the livelihoods. While leaving unchecked, the
environmental challenges tends to negatively affect the business both in the direct sense like in
the case of the disruptions of supply chains and indirectly as the occurrence of the health hazards
which leads to the loss of efficiency and man hours.
Environmental Issues
The environmental factors or the challenges can be explained as the recognized elements
among the economic, cultural, physical, demographic or the technological environment that
effects the operations, the growth as well as the survival of the business firms in the current day’s
world. According to Hahn, Reimsbach and Schiemann (2015), environmental issues are both
internal and external in nature. Pollution is one of the biggest environmental challenges since it is
the typical byproduct of the current day’s livelihood. Some of the most common air pollutants
that affect business organization include carbon monoxide, ozone, particular matters, nitrogen
dioxide, lead and sulfur dioxide. Inhaling these environmental hazards can trigger several health
challenges among employees and respiratory disease and ailments. As per the data by Wright
and Nyberg (2017), the cost of the pollution goes beyond the loss of any productivity ratio and
the medical bills. The area which is heavily polluted affects the business management of the
organizations since it makes it difficult to get located as well as hire or retain employees. This
scenario also forces the business management of the organizations to pay high wages for keeping
or attracting employees. Furthermore unchecked rate of pollution can temper the interest of the

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investors. Howard-Grenville et al. (2014) highlighted climate change as one of the major
environmental hazard that can also trigger higher demand for energy. While the climate gets
warmer, business organization consumer more rate of electricity for the reason of air
conditioning. Major consumption of electricity results in high rate of operational cost for
business. Besides this, demand for high demand for energy translates to raise consumption
related to natural resources like water and fossil fuel. This results to the lack of the resources for
business organizations for turning towards the services and products.
Business Management
As per Slawinski et al. (2017), management and business are the disciplines which are
devoted towards the analysis, organization as well as the planning of several categories of the
operations of business. In consideration of the Information and communication technology
industry, the sector faces some of the major risks as well as significant environmental trends and
the market opportunities. The study targeted to explain the internal as well as the external factors
of environment that affects the performance of the business management of the organization.
Based over the theoretical review of PESTLE analysis and the adjustments with the
business organization, this specific research utilized the variable of the internal factors of
environment like marketing skill, management capacity as well as the technology capacity
(Bulkeley and Newell 2015). The external environmental factors include pollution, climate
change and water challenges affecting the organizational success and growth. Regarding the term
of environmental, the environmental factors that can be identified affecting the business
organization are the ecological factors. These furthermore refer to the variable in regards to the
climate change, health of the consumer or the availability of the energy.

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The model of conceptual framework
Environmental Issues affecting the business
The climate change has majorly framed as one of the environmental threat, a moral
dilemma and the market failure. According to Sung and Choi (2014), climate change is one of
the challenges which are above the traits of leadership, collective as well as the co-ordination
action. Institutions tend to mediate among the society, organizations and the natural
environment. The challenges related to climate changes upsets the establishment of the
arrangements of the institute through the political and the physical shocks and adjustments. The
impacts of the environmental climatic factors are dependent over number of the factors like
location, size and the type or the category of the industry.
Business
Management
Pollution and
Climate Change
External
Environmental
factors/challenges

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Figure - Impact of climate change over the business management of organization
Climate changes tend to affect business organization in several levels. The above figure
highlights the analytical tool involving the strata which are affected by the issues related to the
climate changes. These include organizational culture, capabilities, processes and structure. The
above figure depicts the relationships among the organizational strata.
According to Linnenluecke, Griffiths and Mumby (2015), arguably the major essential
challenge of the organization as posed by the climate and environmental change includes the
demand for new and innovative capabilities through the business management of the
organization in the current decade. For assessing the opportunities as well as the risk that are
associated with the climate change challenges, it is the necessity of an business organization to
engage those having some of the requisite capabilities and skill sets. The author in his study
highlighted that the ability of the challenges which are related to the environmental climate
changes is specifically formidable due to the higher level of the uncertainty together with the
complex multifaceted and technical dimensions which ranges from philosophy and management
towards ethics.

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Another category related to the organizational challenges regarding the climate change
issues involves imperative for the cultural shift and the value. As per Campbell, McHugh and
Ennis (2019) effective responses towards climate change does not require the installation of the
technologies furthermore demanding the basic and the fundamental changes of their behavior.
Sadgrove (2016) in his research study highlighted another organizational business management
challenge regarding climate change relating to the process. The design as well as the proper
implementation of the targeted environmental hazard of carbon reduction plans or the integration
of the carbon management towards the strategic priority of the business requires essential
procedure based changes for the aspiring organizations.
Business management in organization
Business management within an organization helps towards the extraction of the best out
of each and every employee within the organization, specifically targeting the profit and the
growth of the organization irrespective of the barriers and the challenges within the competitive
market place. Among the entire environment and the potential political and economic challenges
that a business organization tends to face, it is the role of the business management of an
organization to gather all the employees of the organization together at the common platform for
motivating and initiating them to reach and target towards a common as well as a predefined
goal. According to Chan et al. (2016), business management of an organization, specifically
within the information and the communication technology sector, enables towards the optimum
usage of the resources within the organization through meticulous strategic planning as well as
the control within the workplace. The effective management of business within an organization
ensures the profitability as well as a better condition among the several departments. As per the
study by Wright and Nyberg (2017), effective business management of the organization leads

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towards positive as well as a peaceful ambience at the workplace. Some of the essential features
of business management of an organization include organization, planning, staffing, control,
leading, motivation as well as time management. Bulkeley and Newell (2015) in his research
study highlight the importance of the management within the current day’s organization. These
includes the accomplishments of the goals of the business organization, the effective utilization
of resources within the organization, deals of the management with integration of non-human
and human resources for the achievement of the organizational aims.
Relationship among environmental issues and business management
There has been a rising recognition among the several business management corporations
regarding the challenges related to pollution and climate changes which possess a considerable
risk towards their overall performances and their growth opportunity. As per the reports by the
security and the exchange commission, there has been a major disclosure regarding the business
management of the companies, specifically in the information and the technology sector
throughout the glove to face some of the potential risk regarding the effects of the climate
changes as well as pollution as some of the major environmental hazards impacting their
operations (Rizal and Suhadak 2017). Towards a specific and a particular look at the description
of the business management of the organization, there lie considerable factors such as the risk
factors, the discussions of the management, and the proceedings at the legal scenario at the
management level. These factors tend to major materialistic impacts over the profitability of the
corporate stockings that are majorly affected by the new and the innovative regulations.
According to Zaragoza.es. (2013), majority of the business management firms need to invest
some of the major and considerable funds for upgrading the facilities of the pollution as well as
installation of the systems related to emission control for complying with the rising stringent

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regulations over the emission of the greenhouse gases towards the atmosphere. The changing
process for the services and the goods are another factors which highlights the relation among
the major environmental issues and the business management (Okereke, Wittneben and Bowen
2012). Even the organizations and the business management companies not producing major or
slightest of the pollution are at the risk of getting indirectly affected by the laws related to the
climate change due to the affect over the suppliers and the customers of the organization. A wide
range of changes at the price levels of the things are the resultant of the adverse relation of the
environmental hazards and the business management of an organization. These majorly include
the increased rate of the transportation cost and the high rate of electricity. As per Okereke,
Wittneben and Bowen (2012), changing demand for goods has been one of the major factors
targeting the environmental hazard within a business management environment of an
organization. The combination of the altering weather patterns with the changing level of prices
is likely to cause altering demand for goods and well as services.Ukcip.ouce.ox.ac.uk. (2020) in
the research study stated that reputation is extremely essential for many business organization.
Business organizations in the current date are working very hard for the promotion of a green
image for saving their public perception of the public regarding the organization.
Wright and Nyberg (2017) in the research study highlighted operational implications and
the policy implications related to the perceived environmental challenges within the business
management of the information technology sector in the current era. The business organization in
the sector uses energy as a significant and a growing rate. These are the fastest growing platform
of the carbon footprint which are calculated and expected to be more than 2 percent of the
emission of the global greenhouse gas in the upcoming years. The operation of the business firms
is vulnerable to the volatility of the energy process as well as the taxes which targets the

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emission of the greenhouse gas. Regarding the category of the business continuity, extreme rate
of the seal level rise and the environmental events is associated with the climate change and the
destructions, which tends to damage and disrupt the information technology sector at its
manufacturing operations, the equipment offices, the data networks. The pollution and the effects
of the climate change majorly impacts the other physical assets or the cell towers of the
organization, thus disrupting the business management activities of the organization. According
to Worldfinance.com. (2020), severe environmental hazard results in serious damage as well as
disruption of the manufacturing facilities, production halts and delays in the product launches.
These furthermore force the business organizations to restore as well as revamp the supply
chains. Okereke, Wittneben and Bowen (2012) in his research study highlighted the fact that
increasing rate of power shortage targets the electricity reliability of the organization which is
majorly the outrages due to the wide range of the environmental hazards or trends that disrupts
the production of the information technology manufacturing sites and increases the expenditure
of the business organizations.
Nevertheless, the increasing rate of the concerns related to a wide range of effects from
the environmental hazards, drivers and trends develops increasing market opportunities for the
information technology sector for replacing the traditional services and goods of the other sectors
with virtual ones. Regarding the policy implications, the business organizations in the sector are
likely to face increasing restrictions and limitations regarding the release of the potent
greenhouse gas like PFCs and SF6 in the time of manufacturing, usage and the production of the
end of life products.Zaragoza.es. (2013) in the research study stated the rising concern related to
human and environmental health effects at the developing countries regarding the electronic
wastes that is the fastest growing stream of waste in the world.

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Improvement and the mitigation of the environmental issues by firm’s management
According to Rickards, Wiseman and Kashima (2014), addressing environmental issues
and concerns are one of the most ethical challenges that are faced by the business organization.
As per the research and analysis, it has been identified that there are forms of environmental
pressures and issues which are highly associated with the characteristics of business
organization, the information technology sector, and its size. As mentioned by Kabisch et al.,
(2016), the environmental issues have significant impacts on the operations of business
organization. Therefore, it is highly recommended that businesses must implement
environmental tools, initiatives, and practices such as ‘environmental management systems’ and
‘public commitments to act on environmental issues’ (Knapp et al. 2016). In order to mitigate the
impacts, the business organizations must use technical expertise. The organizations must develop
multiyear implementation plan to overcome the impacts of environmental issues. The planning
must be based on the impacts and mitigation measures such as action plans, responsibility of the
teams and departments and set timelines. As stated by Colwell and Joshi (2013), the business
organizations must regulate within the regulatory frameworks. The business organizations must
implement dust reduction techniques and other equipment’s to reduce NOx as well as other
emissions.
There must be a separate department to monitor the excavations and trenching. The
department must be responsible for appropriate testing and data recovery (Cho et al. 2015).
There must be additional investigation and preparation of contingency plan with description of
the actions to be undertaken if any business activity contaminates the environment. According to
Tang and Luo (2014), the contingency plan must also specify certain requirements to provide
protection to the workers. The business organizations must undertake actions and measures

19ENVIRONMENT ISSUES INFLUENCE ON BUSINESS
including time to time inspection, responsibility, training, and corrective actions. There must be
certain preventive maintenance program comprising of all pollution control measures and
equipment’s (Glasson and Therivel 2013). The companies must use EIA. It is an effective tool
regarding mitigation. It is considered as a regulatory process as well as an impact assessment
methodology. Further, as mentioned by Ferguson (2015), it is recommended that the business
organizations must consult the local authorities and the major stakeholders of the business
organizations regarding site location and utilization of existing infrastructure. The companies
must take special consideration for site selection and take steps to reduce impact on water
resources and other environmental aspects (van der Grift et al. 2013). The companies must take
initiatives to reduce the usage of products and other substances which are harmful for the
environment.
According to Ferguson (2015), the climate change and increased levels of pollutions are
impacts the business organizations to great extent. It tends to lose consumers especially the
consumers who are highly health conscious. The increased taxation of the government can be
mitigated if the business organizations undertake additional measures and steps towards the
protection of environment. For example, the business organization can take steps for tree
plantation in the area and other such initiatives. They must take steps to reduce environmental
impacts. There has been a high demand for pollution prevention performance in business
organizations. The business organizations must ensure the activities and performance are less
polluting (van der Grift et al. 2013). This will help the business organization to ensure
sustainability. Having a better scorecard can help the business organization towards its
sustainability efforts. It is also essential for the business organizations to manage and effectively
communicate their environmental initiatives and performance as stated by Ferguson (2015). It is

20ENVIRONMENT ISSUES INFLUENCE ON BUSINESS
also considered to be as an effective business strategy to ensure sustainability. Incorporating a
strict environmental regulation in the business organizations often inhibits growth and
improvement. According to Glasson and Therivel (2013), the results of strict environmental
regulation can be traded off between healthy environment and healthy development. This in turn
will ensure opportunities for the business organizations. There are various forms of growth and
development which are socially and environmentally sustainable (Cho et al. 2015). This ensures
improved environment as well as business growth and development. It does not reduce
environmental capital.
As mentioned by Colwell and Joshi (2013), the business organizations require a
revolutionary change in their initiatives and approaches. This will bring significant
improvements in the operations and functioning of business organizations. The approaches of the
business organization must have three main goals that is protection towards the environment,
economic well-being, and social development (Knapp et al. 2016). Sustainable development
must be the main goal and aim of the business organizations. Business organizations which
invest in eco-efficient and measures towards the environment create opportunity for the suppliers
and the environment conscious consumers also known as ‘green consumers’. It is suggested by
Rickards, Wiseman and Kashima (2014), that business organizations must develop environment
safe materials and procedures. They must take measures and steps towards social wellbeing and
economic development. Sustainable development and investment in eco- efficiency will enable
the business organization to gain competitive advantage (Kabisch et al., 2016). Environmental
initiates will enable the business organization to gain goodwill from the consumers and the
community. This in turn will reflect the bottom line of the business organization. It is the
responsibility of the business organizations to contribute towards sustainable development. They

21ENVIRONMENT ISSUES INFLUENCE ON BUSINESS
can make significant contribution towards the attainment of environment benefits and economic
development. As stated by Knapp et al. (2016), there are various business organizations which
consider profit as their main motive and primary objective of the business organization. There is
a narrow self-interest among the business initiatives. However as mentioned by Colwell and
Joshi (2013), there must be a trade-off between what is liked but the people and what must be
done in pursuit of survival.
Business organizations must incorporate sustainable practices and environmental
initiatives. According to Cho et al. (2015), the business organizations must be in the interest of
business organizations to operate in healthy environment and economy. Stakeholder analysis is
highly essential in every business organizations. This will enable the business organizations to
carry out the concerns, issues and other information to understand the perspectives of all the
stakeholder groups concerning sustainable development initiatives and activities (Tang and Luo
2014). The overall existence of the business organization must be related to the global
environment and the community in which it carries out its business activities and operations.
During its business execution, it is essential to maintain respect for human dignity and ensure
that global environment is protected (Tang and Luo 2014).
Research Gap
The research determines and analysis the environmental factors and challenges affecting
the business organizations and its operations. It analysis the environmental issues affecting the
business organization. It determines the relationship between the environmental issues and
business management. Details have been provided concerning the relationship and the ways in
which the environmental impacts affect the smooth running of the business. However, the
literature provided does not provide evidence or real examples of the business and its impact on

22ENVIRONMENT ISSUES INFLUENCE ON BUSINESS
the operations. The research provides detailed analysis of the improvements and the measures to
be undertaken by the business organization. However, the mitigation measures provided are not
very clear. It does not provide clear ideas regarding the implementation process and the exact
ways in which the business organization can implement the measures to overcome the issues.
The research is limited to certain studies and assumptions. However, it opts out significant
information regarding the implications of environmental effects on the business organizations.
The research study and analysis are limited to the impacts of environmental issues on the
business organization. It lacks practical examples of the business organization and explains the
green practices. The research study is lacks data and information regarding organizational
consciousness and the mindfulness of the business leaders. It lacks information regarding the
importance of managers and leaders attentiveness and alertness regarding the business operations
and activities. The implementation of the mitigation measures and its process are not included in
the research study and analysis. It also does not provide information regarding the capability of
the leaders and the mangers to build effective environment oriented policies and regulations.

23ENVIRONMENT ISSUES INFLUENCE ON BUSINESS
Chapter 3: Research methodology
Introduction
This chapter forms an integral part of the study and pertaining to this, it becomes
considerably critical for the author of the paper to ensure that the study is being able to
incorporate the right kind of methods in the study (Quinlan et al. 2019). With respect to this, it is
integral to ensure the use of the right methods shall contribute towards understanding the manner
in which the environmental issues generally have a very strong influence on the business
management and to understand the way in which the business will perform in the long run.
Hence, this chapter shall essentially outline the overall research strategy, the research
philosophy, the research approach as well as the research design which has been adopted.
Research Philosophy
The research philosophy can be mentioned to be the assumptions which are generally
adopted by the researcher in order to attain the overall research objectives and answer the
research questions (Mackey and Gass 2015). In consideration to this, it becomes essential to
understand that the study intends to ensure that the ways of the data collection are mentioned
sufficiently and along with this, the research aim is attained. In general, the positivist and the
interpretivist philosophy are made use of for the study. As per the nature of the study, the
research philosophy which deems to be appropriate for the study can be mentioned to be the
positivist research philosophy (Kumar 2019). This research philosophy indicates quantitative
research which is focused on finding the influence of the environmental issues on the business
management. The researchers tend to undertake manipulation and generally tend to ensure that,

24ENVIRONMENT ISSUES INFLUENCE ON BUSINESS
to the relationship and association between the environmental issues and the business
management can be determined effectively.
Research Approach
The research approach can be described as the procedure which is adopted by the firm to
collect the data for the particular research. In association with this, the research generally tends
to focus on the objectives (Taylor, Bogdan and DeVault 2015). Based on the objectives set down
for the study, the research approach which has been adopted for the study can be essentially
described to be the Deductive research approach. In this research approach, the information
which is collected for the study can be analyzed critically and the analysis can be presented
essentially. The research approach will help in finding the study outcomes and will assist in
ensuring that meaningful interpretations can be made.
Research Design
The research design which has been essentially adopted for the study can be mentioned to
be the descriptive research design. In consideration with this, it is very in integral to see to it that
the author is being successfully able to engage in a useful analysis of the research objectives
(Flick 2015). Through the descriptive research design, the association between the environmental
issues and the business management will be highlighted accordingly.
Data collection procedure
The data collection can be described as the process using which the information and
related data is generally collected in consideration of the purpose of the study. The data
collection method needs to be in appropriation for the research objectives and needs to attempt
and see to it that the research objectives are being attained accordingly (Silverman 2016). The

25ENVIRONMENT ISSUES INFLUENCE ON BUSINESS
research data collection method needs to take into consideration all the methods which are
relevant and be essentially focused on the ensuring that all objectives are aligned accordingly.
The data collection method which has been chosen for the study can be mentioned to be the
Primary data collection method. In this study, the data will be collected from the primary sources
and all the information collected will be utilsed for the study pertaining to the objectives of the
paper.
Data analysis
The data analysis can be described as the method using which the data for the study
which has been collected can be analyzed successfully. In domain of this, it becomes effective to
understand that, the data analysis method which has to be adopted needs to be such that the
different objectives can be attained in the right manner (Ledford and Gast 2018). For this kind of
a study, the two options which are available can be mentioned to be the qualitative analysis and
the quantitative study. The qualitative study is usually undertaken by making use of the thematic
analysis whereas the quantitative study and related analysis is undertaken by making use of the
statistical tools and graphical representations. For this study, the method of quantitative analysis
has been adopted whereby the influence of the environmental issues on the business management
will be examined and acknowledged by making use of the SPSS tool whereby statistical tests
such as the Correlation and Regression will be undertaken to determine the impact of the
independent variable on the dependent variable (Walliman 2017).
Research strategy
The research strategy can be mentioned to be the overall planning which is used to
achieve the research objectives. In consideration of this, the research strategy as undertaken for
this study can be mentioned to be the primary quantitative research strategy. In this kind of a

26ENVIRONMENT ISSUES INFLUENCE ON BUSINESS
research strategy, the data collection method which is adopted can be mentioned to be the
Primary technique whereby the data is collected using a survey; on the other hand, the analysis
technique is analytical and statistical whereby the influence of one factor will be assessed on the
other factor (Taherdoost 2016).
Sampling technique
The sampling technique can be mentioned to be the simple random probability sampling
technique. The sampling technique which is generally followed makes use of the primary
technique of data collection whereby the data for the study is collected by making use of various
sources and participants (King and Mackey 2016). A total of 150 participants have been chosen
for the survey. All these participants are the different employees who are involved in the IT
industry and will be able to understand and comprehend the influence of the environmental
issues on the business management.
Ethical considerations
The study will be following all ethical considerations whereby the survey will be
collected in a verified and ethical manner (Aithal 2017). This will then be followed by the
collection of data from authentic and original sources by giving all in text citations and related
references. No plagiarism shall be engaged in and in association with this, all research ethics will
be abided by. The University norms regarding the research will also be followed.
Summary
Therefore, it can be essentially mentioned that the given chapter outlined the various
research methods as well as processes which have been utilized for the study and the reason
behind choosing each of the research methods has also been provided.

27ENVIRONMENT ISSUES INFLUENCE ON BUSINESS
Chapter 4: Data analysis and discussion
Overview
The main aim of the section is to highlight the analysis results which were conducted
through the procedure of the primary research. In consideration of this, the study made use of
the tools of SPSS in order to analyze and understand the influence of the environmental issues on
the business management. The section will be divided into Descriptive and Inferential statistics.
Descriptive Analysis
Gender
Gender
Frequency Percent
Valid Female 37 37.0
Male 63 63.0
Total 100 100.0

28ENVIRONMENT ISSUES INFLUENCE ON BUSINESS
From the given graph it can be understood that, 63% of the respondents were male and
the rest 37% of them were female. From this, it can be rightfully understood that the sample size
was not evenly distributed and the opinions of both the genders should have been collected
accordingly.
Age group
Age group (years)
Frequency Percent
Valid 18-29 13 13.0

29ENVIRONMENT ISSUES INFLUENCE ON BUSINESS
30-39 32 32.0
40-49 31 31.0
50+ 24 24.0
Total 100 100.0
The given graph provides the information about the age group of the different
participants in the survey. It can be reflected from the graph that, 24% of the survey respondents
belong to the age group 24% and above. In association with this, 31% of the respondents belong
to the age group 40 to 49 years. Along with this, 32% of the respondents belong to the age group
30 to 39 and lastly, 13% of the respondents belong to the age group 18 to 29 years of age. Hence,
the distribution can be mentioned to be equal.

30ENVIRONMENT ISSUES INFLUENCE ON BUSINESS
Education
Education
Frequency Percent
Valid Bachelor degree 33 33.0
Diploma 32 32.0
Masters 21 21.0
Up to High
school
14 14.0
Total 100 100.0
33%
32%
21%
14%
Educational Level
Bachelor degree Diploma Masters Up to High school
The given graph provides the education level of the respondents. From the graph it can be
understood that, 33% of the respondents belong to the Bachelors level. In line with this 32% of

31ENVIRONMENT ISSUES INFLUENCE ON BUSINESS
the respondents belong to the Diploma course. In association with this, 14% of the respondents
have undertaken education up to High school and additionally, 21% of the respondents have a
Master’s degree.
Are you aware of the environmental issues facing your business?
Are you aware of the
environmental issues facing your
business?
Frequency Percent
Valid No 44 44.0
Yes 56 56.0
Total 100 100.0

32ENVIRONMENT ISSUES INFLUENCE ON BUSINESS
When the respondents were asked about the fact whether they were aware of the
environmental issues being faced by the business, a majority of them (56%), responded that they
were well aware whereas, 44% of the respondents mentioned that they were not aware of it.
Which of the following environmental issues do you think affect your firm?
Which of the following environmental issues do
you think affect your firm
Frequency Percent
Valid Air Pollution 24 24.0
Climate change 32 32.0

33ENVIRONMENT ISSUES INFLUENCE ON BUSINESS
Ozone layer
depletion
25 25.0
Waste disposal 7 7.0
Water pollution 12 12.0
Total 100 100.0
When the different respondents were asked about the different environmental factors
which affected their business, 24% of the respondents mentioned that they believed Air Pollution
affected it whereas 32% of the respondents have mentioned that climate change is a factor which
has affected their business operations. In line with this, it is also critical to consider the fact that;
many respondents also mentioned that as per their belief, waste disposal and water pollution
along with the Ozone layer depletion has also affected their overall business operations.

34ENVIRONMENT ISSUES INFLUENCE ON BUSINESS
Is your firm undertaking considerate efforts to resolve the issue?
Is your firm undertaking
considerate efforts to resolve the
issue
Frequency Percent
Valid No 53 53.0
Yes 47 47.0
Total 100 100.0
When the respondents were asked about their belief about the considerate efforts which
the firm has been undertaking in regard to the environmental issues being faced by the firm then
in this scenario, 47% of the respondents mentioned that they believed that the firm was taking

35ENVIRONMENT ISSUES INFLUENCE ON BUSINESS
considerate efforts whereas, 53% of the respondents mentioned that the firm had not taken
considerate efforts.
Inferential Analysis
In this section, the statistical tools of regression and correlation will be made use of in
order to understand the overall influence of the Environmental issues on the business
management. The tools of regression and the correlation analysis have been made use of in order
to understand the influence of one factor on the other.
Correlation
The correlation analysis can be rightfully described as the statistical tool which is utilized
to find the influence of one factor on the other. In consideration of this, a correlation of 0.7 and
above is considered to be strong and effective. In line with this, it becomes relatively important
to understand that, when the correlation is positive it means that the increase in one variable will
bring about a consecutive increase in another variable. In consideration with this, if the
correlation is negative then in such a scenario, the independent variable has a negative influence
on the dependent variable whereby an increase in one variable will bring about an increase in the
other variable.
Independent variable: Climate and environmental issues
Correlations
Operations Cost BrandImage

36ENVIRONMENT ISSUES INFLUENCE ON BUSINESS
Operations Pearson
Correlation
1 .395** .554**
Sig. (2-tailed) .000 .000
N 100 100 100
Cost Pearson
Correlation
.395** 1 .389**
Sig. (2-tailed) .000 .000
N 100 100 100
BrandImage Pearson
Correlation
.554** .389** 1
Sig. (2-tailed) .000 .000
N 100 100 100
**. Correlation is significant at the 0.01 level (2-tailed).
This table reflects that the correlation between the Brand image and the Operations can
be mentioned to be moderate at 0.554. On the other hand, the correlation between the Operations
and the Cost can be mentioned to be low at 0.395.
Dependent variable: Business management
Correlations
Financial
M
OperatonalM
gmt
Employeemg
mt

37ENVIRONMENT ISSUES INFLUENCE ON BUSINESS
FinancialM Pearson
Correlation
1 .526** .557**
Sig. (2-tailed) .000 .000
N 100 100 100
OperatonalMg
mt
Pearson
Correlation
.526** 1 .487**
Sig. (2-tailed) .000 .000
N 100 100 100
Employeemgmt Pearson
Correlation
.557** .487** 1
Sig. (2-tailed) .000 .000
N 100 100 100
**. Correlation is significant at the 0.01 level (2-tailed).
From the table it can be rightfully understood that, the correlation between the Employee
management and the financial management can be understood to be the highest at 0.557. In
consideration with this, the correlation between the Employee management and the Operations
management is low at 0.487.
Independent and Dependent variable
Correlations

38ENVIRONMENT ISSUES INFLUENCE ON BUSINESS
Environment
al Issues
Business
management
EnvironmentalIssues Pearson
Correlation
1 .602**
Sig. (2-tailed) .000
N 100 100
Businessmanagement Pearson
Correlation
.602** 1
Sig. (2-tailed) .000
N 100 100
**. Correlation is significant at the 0.01 level (2-tailed).
The table reflects the correlation which exists between the Dependent and the
Independent variables. It reflects that the correlation between them 0.602. In consideration with
this, it can be mentioned that, the when the environmental issues tend to increase the business
management is affected.
Regression
The regression analysis can be rightfully defined as another crucial tool in statistics
which is utilized to find the association between the Dependent variable and the Independent
variable. In this case, the regression analysis is being used to find the influence of the
Environmental issues on the Business management.

39ENVIRONMENT ISSUES INFLUENCE ON BUSINESS
Model Summary
Model R R Square
Adjusted R
Square
Std. Error of
the Estimate
1 .620a .385 .372 .63797
a. Predictors: (Constant), Do you believe that there exists
the influence of environmental issues on the Business
Management., EnvironmentalIssues
From the given table, it can be rightfully witnessed that the correlation which exists
between the dependent variable and the independent variable can be mentioned to be moderately
high at 0.620. In consideration with this the value of the R square can be mentioned to be 0.385
which clearly states that 38% of the value of the Dependent variable can be determined by the
Independent variable. Moreover, as the difference between the R square and the Adjusted R
square is considerably low, the model can be mentioned to be a good fit model.
ANOVAa
Model
Sum of
Squares df Mean Square F Sig.
1 Regression 24.708 2 12.354 30.353 .000b
Residual 39.480 97 .407
Total 64.188 99
a. Dependent Variable: Businessmanagement
b. Predictors: (Constant), Do you believe that there exists the influence of
environmental issues on the Business Management., EnvironmentalIssues

40ENVIRONMENT ISSUES INFLUENCE ON BUSINESS
From the given table, the value of the Significant F can be mentioned to be less than 0.05.
In consideration of this, it can be mentioned that the association between the dependent variable
and the independent variable can be established significantly and it can be sufficiently mentioned
that, the null hypothesis is being rejected and the alternate hypothesis can be accepted.
Coefficientsa
Model
Unstandardized
Coefficients
Standardized
Coefficients
t Sig.B Std. Error Beta
1 (Constant) .651 .182 3.589 .001
EnvironmentalIssues .523 .090 .523 5.782 .000
Do you believe that
there exists the
influence of
environmental issues on
the Business
Management.
.123 .066 .169 1.867 .065
a. Dependent Variable: Businessmanagement
The table provides the values of the regression equation.
Findings
The findings are as follows:

41ENVIRONMENT ISSUES INFLUENCE ON BUSINESS
1. A majority of the respondents agreed that the environmental issues have a significant
impact on the business and that, the business needs to take considerate measures to see to
it that the impact can be minimized accordingly.
2. The null hypothesis was rejected and the alternate hypothesis was accepted which further
elaborated the relationship and association between the environmental issues and its
influence on the business.
Discussions
Climate change and the rise in sea level is a danger that has been aggravated
largely due to the problem of air, soil and water pollution. Such pollution in turn is something
that is brought on quite largely by the excessive use of fossil fuel. Fossil fuel use is seen to
release large amounts of toxic vapor into the air at the time of being consumed, contributing a
great deal in the bargain to air pollution and making it difficult for people to breathe. Fossil fuel
is mostly used for the running of vehicles and transport (Chuang and Huang 2018). As such, this
is not a renewable form of energy and cannot be replenished once it has been used. Hence the
use of fossil fuel itself is quite dangerous for the environment as it means that all available forms
of non-renewable energy are gradually getting exhausted (Falkner 2017). Fossil fuel use is
environmentally dangerous and when it comes to understanding how this can impact business, it
is crucial to remember that most businesses make use of advanced forms of transport to run their
business operations, which consume vast amounts of the fossil fuel. Environmental degradation
being on the rise implies that businesses have to take account of how much fossil fuel they are
making use of and businesses have to determine whether there are ways and means by which
they can reduce the use of fossil fuel or in that sense, cut down on the use of certain types of

42ENVIRONMENT ISSUES INFLUENCE ON BUSINESS
transportation so as to be able to contribute to the process of environmental wellbeing. While it is
difficult for businesses, and large scale businesses at that to conduct day to day operations
without making extensive use of their vehicles, most businesses today are having to come up
with ways and means by which they can indeed perform their work without using cars or bikes
too extensively (Falkner 2017). The regular or frequent use of cars and bikes implies that fossil
fuel gets used up by quite a considerable degree which in turn contributes to the process of air
pollution. To avoid this, majority of the businesses today are compelled to run their business
operations by getting their employees to use public transportation for the same and are also
encouraging their employees to make use of public forms of transportation when coming to
work. Some businesses advise their employees who live close to the workplace to come to work
on foot, as this is far better for environmental wellbeing compared to arriving in a personal
vehicle like a car or a bike (Dubey et al. 2019).
The excessive use of paper is also something that businesses in today’s day and
age have to avoid as water is becoming a scarce resource and water pollution in particular is a
danger that countries of the First and the Third World are faced with (Ganson and Wenmann
2018). The high levels of water pollution and sea water pollution in addition to river pollution
and the exhaustive use of water for day to day activities is gradually leading to the water sources
on the face of the earth drying up. This is not good for the environment and governments around
the world have been making a serious attempt to introduce the type of policies or regulations that
will control the misuse of water in various parts of the world (Gupta and Jain 2018). Businesses
that have to make use of plenty of water in order to run their operations are now looking to come
up with ways and means by which water use can be reduced so as to safeguard the environment
and contribute to environmental wellbeing. For some industries and businesses this is a definite

43ENVIRONMENT ISSUES INFLUENCE ON BUSINESS
challenge. The food and beverage industry is facing plenty of constraints due to the fact that
water cannot be used as extensively as they would like to for the production of their goods, as is
the hospitality industry. People who occupy rooms in hotels and in guest houses have to be
careful about how much water they use in the day and more often than not, they find notices in
the bathrooms of such hotels and guest houses telling them to turn the tap off or use the shower
in a limited way, unless absolutely required (Hirunyawipada and Xiong 2018).
The cut down or reduction in the area of water use is something that extends to the use of
electricity as well (Joshi et al. 2019). Due to the scarcity of natural energy sources in various
parts of the world, there is an increasing need for businesses to make reduced use of electricity
and opt instead for alternative forms of energy when they run their business operations, in order
for them to be able to combat the problem of environmental degradation while doing their own
work in a profitable manner at the same given time. There are many businesses today that make
use of what may be termed as solar panels and tap solar energy to perform their business
operations (Kopnina and Blewitt 2018). The use of electricity is being avoided by most
businesses around the world and lights and fans are usually switched off immediately if they are
not being used. Air conditioning systems are also being used in a limited manner to combat the
influence that excessive use of electricity has on environmental degradation. Hosting conferences
and seminars is a regular feature of business in all parts of the world, and business organizations
today are opting for webinars or video conferencing in order to cut down on the use of fan, lights
and air conditioning that would have otherwise transpired had the conference or seminar been
conducted in a physical space (Puppim et al. 2017).
Yet another way by which environmental issues are impacting the running of
business operations can be seen in the use of paper by businesses. The use of paper forms a

44ENVIRONMENT ISSUES INFLUENCE ON BUSINESS
crucial part of business activities in every corner of the globe and most industries have to make
use of paper in some form or the other for the running of business affairs (Liu et al. 2017). Due
to the rise in environmental pollution in various parts of the world, businesses are coerced into
leveling down on the use of paper, given that this is really bad for the environment. In order to
produce paper, large numbers of trees have to be cut down, which is obviously dangerous and
detrimental for the environment. Hence businesses have to function in a paperless manner for the
most part (Kutzer 2019). Cashless transactions are avoided, and business communication is
carried out via the medium of the internet through the use of emails, chats and video
conferencing among other things. Businesses today are forced to grapple with the many changes
that are brought on as a result of environmental change and degradation. The majority of
businesses today especially those are involved in operations in the IT sector have to pay a lot of
attention to the manner by which they do their work, so as not to have an adverse impact on the
environment, which includes the limited use of paper. Businesses nowadays including business
organizations in the IT sector or industry are opting for the use of recycled paper and recycled
products in general as this is far better for the environment compared to the extensive use of
paper (Rajala et al. 2016). The paper bags that are normally provided on board on an aircraft for
customers to vomit into should they feel air sick are made of recycled paper for the most part.
Thus it is evident that businesses nowadays in all types of industries are engaging in what may
be termed as a concerted effort to do their work in a way that is good for the environment and
which does not end up having a negative impact on the surrounding natural environment at least,
given that environmental degradation is something that is on the rise (Rajala et al. 2016).
When it comes to the IT sector in particular, the disposal of electronic waste and
the use of paper are two areas where business organizations are compelled to come up with

45ENVIRONMENT ISSUES INFLUENCE ON BUSINESS
solutions or innovations that can help them to do their work without aggravating environmental
issues and problems (Raminathan et al. 2017). Most IT companies today are coming up with
sophisticated techniques of electronic and other types of waste disposal, instead of releasing the
waste into the soil or into the water and the recycling of paper is being extensively carried out in
the place of increased paper use, given that the latter has terrible consequences for the
environment. The use of recycled paper and the use of other types of recycled products for the
running of business operations is very common in the IT sector and the forms of waste disposal
that are being adopted now for removing or extinguishing electronic waste are far more advanced
than what they were before. This in turn implies that business in general and those in the IT
sector in particular have to incur additional costs or expenses in order to conduct their operations
in a way that is considered to be safe for the environment (Tang et al. 2016).
The inadequate access to water which is a definite consequence of climate change and
migration is something that businesses in today’s day and age are having to deal with, and water
filtration plants are being set up by businesses to address this problem of water shortage. This in
turn implies that a lot of investment has to be made on the part of an enterprise to address the
issues or problems that are aggravated by climate change (Tang et al. 2016). Businesses have to
make use of solar light panels and water filtration plants in order to ensure that electricity is not
used as much as needed and water shortage is addressed. The purchase of solar panels is not too
expensive but the use of the same does not compared to the use of regular electricity and
businesses more often than not have to cut down on the scale of their operations because of the
changes that they have to make in respect to water and electricity use. More often than not,
businesses are not able to conduct their operations on a very significant or large scale as a
consequence of the problems that are brought on by environmental change, and many of these

46ENVIRONMENT ISSUES INFLUENCE ON BUSINESS
businesses are now facing a financial loss on account of not being able to perform their
operations as effectively as they could (Wehrmeyer 2017).
What is notice worthy and commendable is that businesses are striving to do their work
in a way that is regarded to be useful or constructive for the surrounding natural environment
(Woellner 2017). The business organizations today are consumed by profit but are also
concerned about environmental wellbeing at the same given time. Businesses nowadays,
including those that are operating in the IT sector are not only committed to safeguarding the
natural environment that surrounds them but are also eager to adhere to all types of government
rules and regulations that are being imposed for the purpose of environmental conservation and
preservation. Businesses have to do their work in a way that is considered to be positive for the
environment and as a result, they have to cut down on the use of paper, they have to reduce their
consumption of electricity and water and they have to opt for the use of recycled paper bags and
other types of recycled products. In doing so, their business operations are impacted, but this
does not imply that the commitment of business operations to the wellbeing of the environment,
is in any way less (Woellner 2017).

47ENVIRONMENT ISSUES INFLUENCE ON BUSINESS
Chapter 5: Conclusion and recommendations
Overview
Changes in the environment can have a significant impact on the business decision
making process (Amran et al. 2016). Environmental issues and changes brought about as a
consequence of environmental degradation are a huge concern for government’s worldwide.
Legislations and regulations are introduced very frequently to combat the negative impact that is
brought about by climate change and environmental crisis, and business organizations are in
particular expected to adhere to such guidelines and regulations so as to contribute to
environmental wellbeing in the cities and towns where they run their operations. As a
consequence the environmental issues or problems which are on the rise today tend to influence
greatly the manner by which businesses choose to run their affairs (Burch et al. 2016).
Linking to Objectives
The study had been designed with the objective to find the manner in which the
environmental factors tend to have a serious impact on the business operations. Through the
study it was established that, the relationship between the environmental issues and the business
management is considerably high.
Limitations of the study and Future scope
The study was just carried out in a Primary Quantitative manner. The secondary research
was just limited to the Literature review and discussion section. In the future, the Secondary
Qualitative method of study in the same domain can be undertaken.

48ENVIRONMENT ISSUES INFLUENCE ON BUSINESS
Recommendations
The following recommendations need to be taken into consideration in order to address
the problems that are brought on by climate change –
 The business houses have to raise the price of their products in order to be able to deal
with the financial costs that are brought on by environmental issues. In order to introduce
measures that are aimed at environmental wellbeing, businesses today have to incur a lot
of additional costs and have to make a lot of additional investments, which in turn can be
addressed if the price of products is increased (Woellner 2017).
 Businesses have to play an active role in spreading awareness about environmental
problems as in the process of doing so other businesses will also be informed about their
duties and their responsibilities with respect to environmental wellbeing and will cut
down on the scale of their operations considerably for the same. This in turn will lead to
reduced competition and the financial liabilities that are currently on the rise due to the
problems that are brought about by environmental degradation can be suitably combated.
If all businesses around the world learn to work in an environmentally sustainable way,
the economic impact of environmental degradation on the business sector will be a lot
less (Yu et al. 2018).
 When increasing prices for the purchase of business products, organizations should enter
into a dialogue with their customers about the importance of conserving the wellbeing of
the natural environment. Customers need to be made to understand why it is that the
business is adopting an environment friendly approach and why it is that the price of the
products are being hiked as in the process of doing so, they will be encouraged to
participate in the process of environmental conservation as well (Yu et al. 2018).

49ENVIRONMENT ISSUES INFLUENCE ON BUSINESS
 Customers of business operations around the world need to be informed about what it is
that they need to do to contribute to environmental wellbeing. Businesses need to take an
active role in this respect and participate in the process of corporate social responsibility,
so that their target audience is well versed with the benefits that are associated with
behaving in an environmentally conscious way and are not disturbed by the many
changes that they otherwise have to make to their day to day activities and operations on
account of environmental dangers and the problem or issue of climate change (Kuetzner
2019).
 The use of social media is something that businesses need to make use of quite
extensively, in order to be able to address the matter of climate change and do business
operations in a manner that is perceived as environmentally desirable. Social media is a
tool that can be used for the rapid dissemination of information. Social media finds
manifestation in apps such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram which are also accessible
through the use of a personal computer and which can be used to connect to a large
number of people at a given time, making the process of spreading environmental
awareness and consciousness quite easy (Kopnina and Blewitt 2018).
 Businesses need to engage with their stakeholders on a regular basis in order to
understand they can come up with ways and means by which to run operations in an
environmentally conducive way. Stakeholders should be informed about the best
practices that are being adopted by business organizations to address the problem of
climate change and environmental degradation and an attempt should be made on the part
of business owners to consult environmental experts too along with the stakeholders to

50ENVIRONMENT ISSUES INFLUENCE ON BUSINESS
hit upon solutions that can help them to address the problem of climate change
(Wehrmeyer 2017).
 Since the use of water and electricity as well as paper is something that has to be
considerably reduced in order to avert the crisis of climate change, businesses around the
world have to come up with ways and means by which alternatives can be drawn up for
the same. In the case of electricity and paper, it has been pointed out in the discussion
above that solar panels and recycled paper bags are already in use, and in the area of
water, an attempt ought to be made to come up sanitized liquid solutions that can take the
place of water in the running of business operations on a day to day. In certain instances
like when using a wash basin or hotel shower, users will have no opt but to engage in the
reduced use of water (Woellner 2017).
 Finally, when it comes to the IT sector in particular, efforts have to be made to generate
electronic wastes to a minimum, so that the process of disposing off such wastes can also
be carried out in a smooth and efficient manner. The costs associated with the same don’t
necessarily have to be too high, if the waste amount is reduced (Woellner 2017).

51ENVIRONMENT ISSUES INFLUENCE ON BUSINESS
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55ENVIRONMENT ISSUES INFLUENCE ON BUSINESS
Appendix
Questionnaire
Influence of the environment factors on the Business management: A case study of the IT
sector
Section1: General Information (Please choose the most convenient answer)
G0
1
Gender ☐ Male ☐ Female
G0
2
Age group (years) ☐ 18 -29 ☐30-39 ☐40-49 ☐50+
G0
3
Education
a. Up to High School
b. Diploma
c. Bachelor’s degree
d. Master/Doctorate
G0
4
Are you aware of the environmental issues facing your business? A. Yes B. No
G0
5
Which of the following environmental issues do you think affect your firm?
a. Climate change
b. Air pollution
c. Water pollution
d. Ozone layer depletion
e. Waste disposal
G0
6
Is your firm undertaking considerate efforts to resolve the issue?
a. Yes

56ENVIRONMENT ISSUES INFLUENCE ON BUSINESS
b. No
SECTION B: Environmental Issues
Operations
The environmental issues affect the operations of the firm. SD D N A SA
They act as a barrier to operations. SD D N A SA
Cost
Environmental issues increase the cost of the business. S
D
D N A
S
A
Environmental issues lead to loss of business profits. S
D
D N A
S
A

57ENVIRONMENT ISSUES INFLUENCE ON BUSINESS
SECTION C: Business management
Brand Image
The Brand Image of the enterprise is affected by Environmental
issues SD D N A SA
The brand image of a firm is uplifted by positive environmental
activities. SD D N A SA
Financial Management
The financial performance of the firm is an integral indicator of
the Business management.
S
D
D N A
S
A
Good financial performance indicates sound performance. S
D
D N A
S
A

58ENVIRONMENT ISSUES INFLUENCE ON BUSINESS
SECTION D: Impact of environmental issues on the Business management
Operations management
Operational efficiency ensures sound business management S
D
D N A
S
A
Enterprise needs to manage the operations of the firm in a
sound manner.
S
D
D N A
S
A
Employee management
The employees of the firm are affecting the business
management.
S
D
D N A
S
A
The employee management indicates sound business
management.
S
D
D N A
S
A

59ENVIRONMENT ISSUES INFLUENCE ON BUSINESS
SD: Strongly Disagree=5
D: Disagree=4
N: Neutral=3
A: Agree=2
SA: Strongly Agree=1
Do you believe that there exists the influence of environmental
issues on the Business Management.
S
D
D N A
S
A