Research Problem and Rationale
Nowadays, the topic of human impact on the environment is an urgent aspect. It is argued by the fact that the eco-friendly trend is becoming more popular due to the harmful effects of industry on nature. Scientists are concerned that further human activities without appropriate intervention could seriously damage or destroy the Earth’s ecosystems. Based on this, many large companies have reorganized their policies in an eco-friendly manner, which has improved the situation. One utilizes safe materials, reduces plastic utilization, shortens carbon emissions, etc. In the selected article, Lynes and Dredge (2014) analyze the internal management processes of the eco-friendly policy of Scandinavian Airlines. The aim is to consider whether the author answered the question posed and whether all the points were covered.
Air transportation is one of the growing types of transport, which formulates an increase in the problems associated with it. Lynes and Dredge (2014) established that the most common issues are the high levels of noise and pollution and the negative environmental impact. In this regard, the topic of incentives and motivation for companies to follow the eco-friendly trend is relevant, and it is necessary to understand the mechanisms that encourage a decrease in the impact on the environment. The purpose of the authors’ work was to consider the interest of Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) in improving the methods of environmental protection. It is necessary to analyze in detail the mechanisms involved in creating strategies and motivation to improve the ecological aspect of companies. Depending on environmental factors, it will enhance existing instruments and create a foundation for building new ones.
The article’s purpose statement was clearly stated since the authors indicated the rationale by which the relevance of the topic was determined. Thus, the task was to study in more detail the systems of motivation and rewards involved within the company regarding decision-making. It is formulated by the fact that the information obtained through these issues is valuable for developing methods for the rational use of natural resources (Lynes and Dredge, 2014). In addition, it is crucial to understand the values and principles that guide the company in terms of environmental impact. All of the above articulates the rationale within the framework of which the purpose statement was clearly defined.
Among the arguments provided by Lynes and Dredge (2014), the predicted increase in air transportation and the impact on the environment are primarily highlighted. Even though companies are trying to reduce pollution, air travel is still a significant contaminant. Moreover, given the increase in the level of air travel, respectively, the level of pollution is also expected to increase. Furthermore, the study of issues of internal processes for improving environmental impact will become the foundation for the development of new strategies. Finally, Lynes and Dredge (2014) argue that in recent years there has been a shift in the understanding of the mechanics of environmental policymaking. In this regard, it is vital to analyze the role of social science in the development of environmental policy.
One can highlight several aspects of where the authors have selected the arguments they provide. First, the argument stating the need for this study due to the increasing popularity of air transport was taken from theory. Thus, Lynes and Dredge (2014) found facts in the relevant literature confirming that the number of passengers, aircraft, and flights is increasing. From this, it was concluded that an increase in pollution is expected due to the increasing amount of air transport. Moreover, the authors indicated that the study of this issue could become the basis for developing further strategies, which were selected from prior research.
To achieve the paper’s purpose, the authors identified several research questions that were implied but not clearly stated. Primarily, these included identifying the pledges the company made in terms of improving the environmental impact and the extent to which these pledges were carried out. Further, the specific actions of the Scandinavian Airlines company to fulfill the promises and the responsibility that the company bears were determined. Lynes and Dredge (2014) indicated the level of involvement in the international discussion about the environmental situation. It implies participation in global trends, summits, and conferences, as well as the degree to which established procedures are followed to level the impact on the environment.
Methodology
In this study, the participants used a mixed approach to data collection, however, a qualitative non-probability sampling strategy forms a basis. Primarily, it is formulated by the authors determining where and with what population it is necessary to start research and collect data. In this case, Lynes and Dredge (2014) used a specific sample cluster, namely data and interviews with a Scandinavian Airlines employee about general strategies, history, and environmental policies. As a result, the final sampling contained confirming cases, namely, information demonstrating the growth of the eco-friendly trend.
As a qualitative design, the authors applied specific approaches, including procedures for the efficient collection of the necessary information. Thereby, it included a review of published and unpublished literature containing information about the company. This information includes facts about the company, various reports, and supporting or refuting documentation. Moreover, it is worth noting that Scandinavian Airlines was chosen by the authors since the company is a large commercial organization. Furthermore, SAS has a leading position in the field of environmental protection and an open policy that promotes research.
As already indicated, Lynes and Dredge (2014) utilized a mixed approach to selecting the necessary information. Thus, one can argue that the method of triangulation was used, namely, the application of different methods to address the same study. In the first stage, the necessary theoretical base was analyzed and selected, including literature, documentation, and reports. Further, in-depth interviews were conducted in Sweden and Denmark for six weeks in 2002 (Lynes and Dredge, 2014). In addition, interviews were conducted with employees from various levels to consider the research topic from different points of view.
Considering the research methods and the procedure for finding information, one may notice that the authors paid considerable attention to the aspect of credibility. It is primarily formulated by the reliability of the selected sources, namely literature, reports, and documentation. Further, the aspect of confirmability was also taken into account since the sources are in the public domain and, if desired, one can analyze and undermine the facts presented. Finally, Lynes and Dredge (2014) took into account the transferability factor, namely the possibility of applying the chosen study methods to another question. Thus, in-depth interviews, analysis, and synthesis of the necessary literature, reports, and documentation can be made in the aspect of studying other issues.
Results and Conclusions
Contextual information was analyzed in terms of comparing background reasons for following the eco-friendly trend and interview results. Thus, the authors found that the main driving forces for businesses to comply with environmental standards lie in several aspects. First, organizations follow not only moral standards but also financial benefits, namely, reducing resource consumption and waste disposal costs. Moreover, among the reasons is the reduction of regulatory bodies and the gaining of a competitive advantage. Finally, a significant reason is the consolidation of a positive image in the market as a good corporate citizen (Lynes and Dredge, 2014). The above items constitute contextual information that has been reviewed for relevance to Scandinavian Airlines’ reasons for following an eco-policy.
The major findings of the study were to establish the reasons why the SAS is trying to reduce the impact on the environment and the extent to which they correspond to those previously determined. Thus, Lynes and Dredge (2014) pointed out that the driving forces identified during the interviews can be understood as the interaction between markets, science, the social system, and the political/institutional system. These include environmental management’s financial costs and benefits and adherence to the regulatory framework. Moreover, it articulates the desire to be a good corporate citizen, the airline’s image, and its relationship with the aviation community. Thus, Lynes and Dredge (2014) concluded that most of the causes of SAS correspond to the generally accepted and previously identified reasons for following an eco-friendly trend.
Despite the above conclusions, during the interviews, the authors encountered two problems in terms of environmental policy. Firstly, passenger pressure was not the decisive reason for improving the ecological impact. It is articulated by the fact that citizens have a certain amount of trust in companies and are convinced that they work for them. In addition, the environment’s conclusions were the fact that SAS employees do not consider the company to be completely green but only greener than others (Lynes and Dredge, 2014). It is because fuels, consumables, de-icing chemicals, oils, and cleaners that are burned have a negative impact in one way or another. Interviewees reported that the most critical task of building eco-policy among global companies is the leadership role of those who achieved progress on this issue (Lynes and Dredge, 2014). It will help to attract more and more businesses in the direction of the eco-friendly trend and improve the situation.
Critique
Talking about whether the researchers made a credible case for the need for the chosen study, one can highlight several aspects in favor of the authors. First, among all companies, Scandinavian Airlines is the most relevant example as it follows the practices necessary for compelling study. These include leading positions in the eco-friendly trend, openness policy, and availability of relevant information about the airline. Further, this case fully demonstrates not only the causes and consequences of SAS following environmental policies but also general information about the topic using the example of the global community. Moreover, the authors clearly showed the need for this study, which is augmented by the increase in the popularity of air transport. In turn, it implies an increase in environmental pollution and negative consequences.
My assessment of how the authors addressed credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability lies in the analysis of the research methods chosen. In other words, the researchers paid considerable attention to the selected items, which articulates a positive aspect of the study. Primarily, it lies in the reliability of the selected sources for finding evidence and confirming the theses put forward. Thus, officially published and unpublished literature, documentation, and reports were used. In addition, one can confirm and find the facts provided in the study since the sources are in the public domain. Finally, relevant research methods were applied in the work that can be used to study other issues that shape transferability.
The “thick description” presented in the study thoroughly explains the context in which the topic question was considered. In other words, an up-to-date explanation was given not only of the importance of this study but also of the reasons for following eco-friendly practices for the selected company and the global community. Moreover, the conjectures and conclusions were supported by data, namely facts from the theoretical base. It is formulated by confirmed information about the growing danger to the environment due to the increase in air transport. In addition, data about the company were taken not only from text sources but also from personal communication with the interviewed employees.
The study’s strengths are, as already indicated, the sources’ reliability and confirmability aspect. In addition, the authors used personal communication with employees, which made it possible to consider the issue from an internal perspective in detail. Further, the relevance of the topic and the topicality of the case formulate the strengths of this study because they touch on an essential topic in a global aspect. Among the weaknesses, one can highlight the lack of delineation of further research on this topic. I give considerable credit to this study as relevant and strong pieces of evidence have been provided. Finally, the researchers fully revealed the background of the topic, which formulates the contextual aspect.
Reference
Lynes, J. K., & Dredge, D. (2014). Going green: motivations for environmental commitment in the airline industry. A case study of Scandinavian airlines. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 14(2), 116-137.