A 'Call for Contributions' on the topic of:
CORPORATE RESPONSES TO CLIMATE CHANGE
Greenleaf Publishing invites contributions for: (1) a special issue of
"Greener Management International"; and (2) a subsequent new book on the
topic of "Corporate Responses to Climate Change" both to be edited by
Katie Begg (University of Surrey, UK), Frans van der Woerd (Vrije
Universiteit Amsterdam, Netherlands) and David Levy (University of
Massachusetts Boston, USA).
Rationale
In recent years, climate change has become a leading issue on the global
political agenda. The recent Marrakech Accords have taken a significant
step forward in assuring the continued progress of countries (with the
notable exception of the United States) towards meeting targets agreed
under the Kyoto Protocol to the UN Framework Convention on Climate
Change. The next step is expected to be the ratification of the Kyoto
Protocol at Rio+10 in Johannesburg in 2002.
Given that emission reduction targets are now becoming a reality, the
focus for action is turning to the private sector. Business and industry
have a crucial role to play in the implementation of the Kyoto Protocol.
They are the major emitters of greenhouse gases and pressure is mounting
for them to invest in mitigation technologies and strategies.
Behind the scenes a number of companies have started to develop
strategies to curtail greenhouse gas emissions in advance of these
developments. First-movers have already tried to test ideas and seize
opportunities in anticipation of possible regulation on the climate
change issue by investments in new technologies, joint ventures and
strategic alliances that may reduce risks and costs in the long term,
though others are taking a wait-and-see approach. At a more practical
level, there is a burgeoning number of initiatives to save energy, to
develop renewable energies and to test emission-trading pilot schemes.
Now is an appropriate moment to assess early corporate experiences.
Description of effective strategies will promote the diffusion of
proactive corporate practices. Identifying the factors that cause
companies to pursue low-carbon strategies and support the Kyoto process
will be helpful in formulating policy. Therefore, it is intended that
the special issue of the journal "Greener Management International" and
the subsequent book will present the variety of strategic options
available to business. Moreover, the two publications will assess
triggers for corporate change and compare tactics of implementation. The
aim is to show best practice (defined here as good for business and the
environment) in corporate policies toward climate change with the
intention of further encouraging business to initiate action. It will be
important to assess both the potential advantages of proactive
first-mover strategies as well as the possible pitfalls of premature or
poorly conceived investmen! ts.
Coverage
Contributors to the special issue of "Greener Management International"
are also invited to submit their contribution to the subsequent book.
Contributions deemed suitable for the journal special issue may also
appear in the book along with a number of other contributions. Both
publications will cover a spectrum of topics including, but not limited
to:
_ Varieties of corporate strategies to climate change (such as ambition
levels; coalition-building and strategic partnerships; sector-specific
opportunities)
_ Incentives for Change (Kyoto; NGO pressure; internal leadership)
_ Political and PR strategies (influence on the policy process,
reputation, stakeholder relationships)
_ Environmental management systems and climate change
_ Technology strategies (research and development programmes; technology
buy-ins)
_ Integrated approaches (the coherent development of a strategic,
organisational and technological framework of measures)
_ Strategies to cope with regulatory, technological and market
uncertainties
_ Comparisons of corporate responses across industry sectors and
countries
_ Effective policies to encourage more proactive corporate strategies
(command and control versus voluntary agreements)
Projected audience
The special issue of the journal and the book will both aim to aid
managers, students, researchers, government, NGO representatives and
consultants in understanding the current range of corporate thinking on
strategic responses to climate change. Both publications are expected to
incorporate a mixture of case studies, empirical and applied theoretical
work.
Contributions
Academics submitting material should clearly state how the theory and
concepts developed in their work influences managerial practice. Given
the intended practical nature of these publications, we encourage
contributions from practitioners in businesses, NGOs and governments, as
well as academics. Theoretical papers should be between 4,000 and 6,000
words and case studies between 2,500 and 4,000 words in length. The
paper submissions should follow editorial guidelines, which can be
obtained from Greenleaf Publishing (see below).
Schedule
The submission deadline for initial expressions of interest in the form
of abstracts of approximately 300 words is 15 March 2002. Abstracts
should ideally be sent as e-mail attachments to all co-editors for the
review process (see "Contact Details" at the end of this Call).
A selection process will then be put into motion. Contributors whose
abstracts are felt appropriate for the projects will then be asked to
submit full papers by 1 July 2002. Contributors will be informed of the
acceptance of their contributions or be invited to submit final revised
papers by 31 October 2002. It is intended that the special issue of
"Greener Management International" will be published in December 2002
and the book in Spring 2003.
_ Abstract submissions: 15 March 2002
_ Full paper submissions: 1 July 2002
_ Revised paper submissions: 31 October 2002
Contact details
For further information, to discuss ideas for contributions and to
submit abstracts/manuscripts, please contact the Guest Editors:
Katie Begg
University of Surrey, UK
k.begg@surrey.ac.uk
Frans van der Woerd
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Netherlands
Frans.van.der.woerd@ivm.vu.nl
David Levy
University of Massachusetts Boston, USA
David.levy@umb.edu
Abstracts/manuscripts must be sent to all three Guest Editors
simultaneously
Contribution guidelines can be obtained from:
Samantha Self
Greenleaf Publishing
Aizlewood Business Centre
Aizlewood's Mill
Sheffield S3 8GG
UK
Tel: +44 (0)114 282 3475
Fax: +44 (0)114 282 3476
e-mail:
journals@greenleaf-publishing.com
http://www.greenleaf-publishing.com