2- Lack of Awareness and Training:

2- Lack of Awareness and Training: 

In many organizations, due to lack of understanding about EMS and structure of the organization, relevant personnel were less interested in adoption and maintenance of EMS. Environmental awareness is considered a significant element in successful adoption and maintenance of EMS and it has a direct impact on environmental performance (Sassevile et al 1997).  Pakistan‘s major industrial sector includes textile and cloth industry; leather processing, food industry, fertilizer, refinery and etc. Regardless of the size and nature of the organizations in Pakistan industrial sector is facing crucial situation in implementation of EMS like other developing countries which has left serious impact on the environment (Massoud et al 2010).

 After the introduction of ISO 14000 series, many countries were unable to conceive the full meaning of terminology used in documentations (Ponsinska et al 2003)and moreover, companies felt difficulties regarding interpretation of new standard (Quazi 1999). One reason of poor implementation might be considered lacking of information sharing and active participation of member countries at the time of formulation of international standard; led to unfamiliarity with EMS

 Pfliegner, K. (Hillary: 1997 p.39) states that “A lack of expertise, based on a shortage of qualified auditors and consultants, is a further obstacle for developing countries. However, outside help (environmental consultants, NGOs and other relevant bodies) can ease the process of adoption of EMS depending upon the size and nature of the organization. In large companies personnel might have know-how about ISO and its different versions & EMS but SMEs need to get assistance from consultants and other relevant organization (Sasseville et al: 1997).

These problems can be encountered by companies at different stages, might be during preparation stage, defining, documentation and training level (Babakri et al (2003); and these aspects are considered complex elements of improving process (McCloskey and Maddock 1994). Furthermore, McCloskey and Maddock (1994) argues that ‘the wide span and complex nature of the environmental issues itself is a hurdle in implementation of EMS which are normally expressed as having concern with limited financial support, economic condition, inability to understand EMS and its impact, and market position. Razaee and Elam (2000 p.62) suggests that in-house training and education of the employees can ease the process of implementation and adoption, providing them proper support regarding finance and reading stuff. In addition, ‘Awareness Training’ of everyone in the organization should be carrying out to understand the EMS and its impact on the activities which is helpful to perform duties effectively.

 As training is referred to acquisition of specific skills and knowledge to know how to perform specific jobs (Zhang: 2000). Sasseville et al (1997:106) proposed that training programme should include

·         Identify your employee training need.

·         Develop a training plan to address those specific needs.

·          Ensure that your training programmes is in conformance with applicable regulatory and internal regulatory requirements

·         Select and target employees group

·         Document the content, target group, frequency and effectiveness of your training programme

·         Evaluate and review complete training programme