Thomas P. Lyon,
Dow Professor of Sustainable Science, Technology & Commerce

ABSTRACT:

This paper assesses the existing and potential contribution of economics to understanding the processes that govern the environmental behavior of corporations.  I begin with a brief overview of the economic approach to social science research.  I then summarize some relevant recent contributions from environmental economics (focusing on instrument choice and monitoring and enforcement), political economy, and institutional economics.  I bring these strands of research together in discussing the growing literature on voluntary approaches to environmental protection.  I conclude by offering suggestions for a future research agenda in this area

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