The regulator – regulated relationship and environmental protection: perceptions in small and medium-sized enterprises

An emerging point of agreement is that environmental policy efficacy and implementation efficiency are most likely to be achieved by an appropriate balance between command-and-control and self-regulation methods. The author uses data from a unique survey of individuals, both management and nonmanagement, in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in England and Wales to ascertain whether the corporate perspective is equally supportive of such an empathetic balance. Multiple research methods including interviews, a questionnaire, and focus groups with individuals were used to explore management and nonmanagement attitudes to the importance of compliance with, and the effectiveness of, regulation. Compliance with regulation is viewed as morally right both by management and by nonmanagement; however, the effectiveness of regulation is questioned. Nonmanagement in particular demand strong enforcement and penalties; management demand consistent regulation to ensure a ‘level playing field’. Both question whether all regulation is relevant to environmental protection. Although self-regulation is supported in theory, this is because of the perceived weakness of reactive regulation. Individuals suggest that the majority of SMEs are not taking any, or only minimal, steps to self-regulate. The potential for a balance between command-and-control and self-regulation approaches receives only cautious support from management and nonmanagement.