Leveraging Intra-Organizational Networks for Environmental Management Case Study-Based Potentials, Challenges, and Success Factors
(2025) In IIIEE Master Thesis IMEM01 20251The International Institute for Industrial Environmental Economics
- Abstract
- The aim of this study was to investigate whether cross-site networking of environmental managers in globally active companies can offer a solution for the efficient internal use of intangible resources. In addition, it examines whether findings from research and practice on interorganisational environmental networks can be transferred to intraorganisational contexts. The study is based on a case study of the manufacturing company Volvo Construction Equipment, whose global environmental management is organised using a network-based governance approach.
Whether and to what extent cross-site network-based collaboration can support the efficient distribution of intangible resources such as skills, knowledge, abilities and experience within... (More) - The aim of this study was to investigate whether cross-site networking of environmental managers in globally active companies can offer a solution for the efficient internal use of intangible resources. In addition, it examines whether findings from research and practice on interorganisational environmental networks can be transferred to intraorganisational contexts. The study is based on a case study of the manufacturing company Volvo Construction Equipment, whose global environmental management is organised using a network-based governance approach.
Whether and to what extent cross-site network-based collaboration can support the efficient distribution of intangible resources such as skills, knowledge, abilities and experience within the environmental management of companies with globally distributed locations has not yet been investigated. Existing studies in the field of environmental management networks focus primarily on inter-organisational collaboration, while research on intra-organisational networks is still lacking.
To answer the research questions, 16 interviews were conducted with members and relevant stakeholders of the case company's environmental network. The data were analysed using qualitative content analysis, which was structured inductively. The interviews were conducted using a semi-structured protocol developed on the basis of a previous quantitative preliminary study at 12 locations and the theoretical framework NetFrame (Möller & Halinen, 2017).
The results show that internal organisational networks can be an effective approach to mobilising and utilising intangible resources across different locations, thereby strengthening environmental management. To realise this potential, a clear understanding of the roles and responsibilities of network members is essential, particularly to enable the necessary shift from a local to a global perspective. Company-wide communication about the structures and expectations of the network, especially to managers, plays a crucial role in this. In addition, promoting interpersonal interactions, preferably through face-to-face meetings, is crucial for building trust and motivation among network members. Effective implementation also requires management to actively ensure sufficient staffing and expertise in environmental management so that members can devote sufficient time
to their network tasks.
The NetFrame model developed by Möller and Halinen (2017) proved to be transferable to the context of intra-organisational environmental networks. However, its application should be expanded to include interpersonal aspects. Further research is therefore needed, in particular to quantify the effects and results of such networks. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
http://lup.lub.lu.se/student-papers/record/9215557
- author
- Lotze, Henri Martin LU
- supervisor
-
- Philip Peck LU
- Andrea Batkova LU
- organization
- course
- IMEM01 20251
- year
- 2025
- type
- H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
- subject
- keywords
- Network-based environmental management, Intra-organizational networks, Cross-site collaboration, Environmental Core Team, Sustainability management
- publication/series
- IIIEE Master Thesis
- report number
- 2025:40
- ISSN
- 1401-9191
- language
- English
- id
- 9215557
- date added to LUP
- 2025-11-20 11:48:35
- date last changed
- 2025-11-27 11:07:35
@misc{9215557,
abstract = {{The aim of this study was to investigate whether cross-site networking of environmental managers in globally active companies can offer a solution for the efficient internal use of intangible resources. In addition, it examines whether findings from research and practice on interorganisational environmental networks can be transferred to intraorganisational contexts. The study is based on a case study of the manufacturing company Volvo Construction Equipment, whose global environmental management is organised using a network-based governance approach.
Whether and to what extent cross-site network-based collaboration can support the efficient distribution of intangible resources such as skills, knowledge, abilities and experience within the environmental management of companies with globally distributed locations has not yet been investigated. Existing studies in the field of environmental management networks focus primarily on inter-organisational collaboration, while research on intra-organisational networks is still lacking.
To answer the research questions, 16 interviews were conducted with members and relevant stakeholders of the case company's environmental network. The data were analysed using qualitative content analysis, which was structured inductively. The interviews were conducted using a semi-structured protocol developed on the basis of a previous quantitative preliminary study at 12 locations and the theoretical framework NetFrame (Möller & Halinen, 2017).
The results show that internal organisational networks can be an effective approach to mobilising and utilising intangible resources across different locations, thereby strengthening environmental management. To realise this potential, a clear understanding of the roles and responsibilities of network members is essential, particularly to enable the necessary shift from a local to a global perspective. Company-wide communication about the structures and expectations of the network, especially to managers, plays a crucial role in this. In addition, promoting interpersonal interactions, preferably through face-to-face meetings, is crucial for building trust and motivation among network members. Effective implementation also requires management to actively ensure sufficient staffing and expertise in environmental management so that members can devote sufficient time
to their network tasks.
The NetFrame model developed by Möller and Halinen (2017) proved to be transferable to the context of intra-organisational environmental networks. However, its application should be expanded to include interpersonal aspects. Further research is therefore needed, in particular to quantify the effects and results of such networks.}},
author = {{Lotze, Henri Martin}},
issn = {{1401-9191}},
language = {{eng}},
note = {{Student Paper}},
series = {{IIIEE Master Thesis}},
title = {{Leveraging Intra-Organizational Networks for Environmental Management Case Study-Based Potentials, Challenges, and Success Factors}},
year = {{2025}},
}