Individuals who care about the natural world often struggle to enact this in all contexts of their lives [1]. Why is this, and what helps bridge the gap between pro-environmental intention and action?
These questions are becoming ever more urgent as the global ecological crisis worsens. Although this area has received increased attention by researchers and policy makers in recent years [2], it remains under-explored, particularly in relation to individuals in the workplace.
My PhD research at Lancaster University seeks to address this, with an interdisciplinary psychosocial and cognitive linguistic approach. Importantly, the research aims to generate learning of practical use to individuals wishing to improve their pro-environmental effectiveness in the workplace.
I am looking for business professionals with decision-making authority in relation to environmental policy and strategy to take part in a unique collaborative inquiry into their phenomenological experience of influencing their organisation’s environmental impact.
It may be that your experience of influencing your organisation has led to particular insights, questions or dilemmas. Perhaps you would welcome the opportunity to reflect on and inquire into factors influencing your pro-environmental motivation, resilience and effectiveness, in the context of an academic study? If so, then please do get in touch.
Participation and data is confidential.
Interested? For an initial conversation about the research and your potential involvement please contact me
Participation involves:
- completing a short preliminary online survey c. 10 mins
- orientation conversation (explain interview topics, focus on particular incident) c 20 mins
- semi-structured interview (preferably face to face, otherwise by video skype) 1 to 2 hours
- debrief conversation (including discussion of research findings, explanation of theoretical frameworks used in interpreting data) c 1 hour
There is potential for further involvement in the research, to generate valuable richer insight and learning for both participant and researcher:
- completing self-reflective journal over a period decided by you
- second interview
- workplace observation (e.g. researcher attending a policy or strategy meeting)
- facilitating access to policy and strategy documents
Participation can be anytime until Oct 2014, whenever suits you best. Your involvement could be as short as two weeks or as long as several months, it’s up to you.
Precise details of the nature of your involvement would be fully discussed and agreed between us in writing at the start and as the process unfolds over time.
Participation is voluntary and you can withdraw at any time. All data gathered through the research will be handled confidentially and in accordance with Data Protection Act 1998. Data will be used in the researcher’s PhD thesis and in published papers, reports, articles and presentations.
Download research info sheet March 2014