An analysis of the contributions of management science to corporate greenhouse gases emissions reductions. The cases of strategic management and human resources management.

More frequent, visible and devastating consequences of climate change and an increasing number of international agreements to cut CO2 emissions are putting private firms under pressure to reduce their own emissions. For those reasons, we chose to explore the roles of strategic management and HRM in the emissions reduction efforts of companies. We found that, in order to develop a GHG-reduction strategy, companies could decrease the carbon intensity of their products and services, compensate their emissions through carbon markets or develop new low-carbon solutions subject to a growing demand. We also determined how internal and external support of stakeholders could help in the implementation of the climate change strategies of firms. Third, we identified a number ways to develop competitive advantages for companies engaged in emissions reductions, including differentiation through the offering of low-carbon products and services. Regarding the contributions of the HRM function of firms, we determined that providing training to employees and modifying the recruitment and selection policy of companies could prepare their workforce for changes inherent to carbon reduction strategies. Also, employee involvement and empowerment was found as an optimal lever to develop an active participation of employees towards emissions reductions goals. Finally, we identified how performance management systems and pay and rewards schemes can manage employee performance in the context of climate change strategies.