Crossborder Environmental Management in Danish Transnational Corporations: A Survey of Cross Border Environmental Management Practices in 153 Danish Transnational Corporations

In a global economy, the realm of the firm increasingly reaches across borders and with that, its environmental responsibilities. Therefor, it becomes increasingly pertinent to examine how firms manage the environment across borders. This paper presents the results of the first major survey of cross border environmental management in Danish transnational corporations (TNCs). Based on interviews with executives at 153 Danish TNCs, the paper examines to what extend and how Danish companies manage environmental performance at production facilities in less developed countries and Eastern Europe. The survey suggests that cross border environmental management in Danish TNCs is rather embryonic compared to that of other OECD countries; most Danish companies have no or highly rudimentary environmental liaison with foreign affiliates, and only around 15% of Danish TNCs have begun to formalize environmental management across borders. The paper seeks to explain, why cross border environmental management in Danish industry still is in its infancy. Finally, the interviews with corporate managers provide evidence on the driving as well as impeding forces of cross border environmental management.