Abstract
This phenomenological study examined how organizations, primarily in the manufacturing and distribution industries, approached the change process to achieve a third-party verified zero waste certification. It investigated how the change process impacted employees’ sense of organizational identity, and what challenges they faced in pursuing certification. Sixteen participants from seven recently certified organizations agreed to be interviewed about their experience. Challenges stemmed most consistently from fiscal misalignment with leadership’s priorities, capacity struggles, and employee disconnection to the certification’s purpose. Participants reported that the most impactful organizational change strategies included clear, positive messaging, investment in employee empowerment and leadership, and consistency throughout the process. Environmentally focused professionals reported that their sense of organizational identity was reinforced, while others felt a new sense of pride and meaning in seeing their organization and fellow employees “walk the talk” for an ethical cause.
Library of Congress Subject Headings
Organizational change; Manufacturing industries; Manufacturing industries—Environmental aspects
Date of Award
2024
School Affiliation
George L. Graziadio School of Business and Management
Department/Program
Communication
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Masters
Faculty Advisor
Gary Mangiofico
Recommended Citation
Byrne, Sumner, "Certified impact: organization design for zero waste certification and its impact on organizational identity" (2024). Theses and Dissertations. 1495.
https://digitalcommons.pepperdine.edu/etd/1495