Employee perceptions of the solid waste management system operating in a large Australian contracting organization: implications for company policy implementation

A survey of employees' perceptions of a large contracting firm's waste management system was conducted. Results were factor analysed and an eight-factor model of the waste management climate was identified. Perceptions were found to differ between employee groupings. Managerial staff had a less positive perception of the waste management climate than did site workers. Qualitative interview data were analysed using a content analysis approach. Managers were found to perceive environmental issues as being less important than cost, time or quality objectives. Construction workers believed environmental issues to be of greater importance than these other objectives. Differences in perceptions of managers and site workers have implications for the implementation of any company waste management policy. There is a need to involve workers in identifying waste management solutions, to provide more information to all employees about practical aspects of waste management, and for managers visibly to demonstrate commitment to waste management policy objectives.