The effects of globalization on application of environmental management system (EMS)

Abstract

Environmental management systems (EMS) is an international standard of best practices for managing impacts on the natural environment. The standard came into effect in 1996. The EMS reviews the environmental aspects and sets goals and targets for managing them. EMS is based on continuous development (Plan - Do - Check – Act). It is one of the voluntary instruments, as the obligation to introduce an EMS is not contained in any legal regulation. The mainstream of thoughts shows that globalization enforces EMS implementation mainly by sharing knowledge (best practices), but more aspects should be investigated. The article aims to formulate a conceptual model of globalization effects on the application of EMS and to document these effects on the selected company. A review of EMS literature is used to determine globalization's positive and negative aspects of this field. To construct the model, we use the business process modelling tool Adonis CE. A case study of a selected company shows how these aspects affect the ability to adhere to its environmental policy. The article revealed a conceptual model of globalization effects on EMS. The presented case study showed the interconnection of individual effects and impact on the company's effectiveness.