It is unfortunate that many people think that because they set up shop in a under developed country that they do not have to comply with environmental regulations. The assumption is that these backwater countries don't care or are ignorant. The truth is farther from this notion. The fact is these places care but do not have the means of enforcing regulations.
Businesses, west or east (China is no exception) take advantage of these situations. Short term profits are the motivation, never is it for the betterment of that country.
This is why a compassionate capitalist company should look at long term profit potential. Doing the right things does not need to kill the profit margin if executed correctly with advanced forethought and planning.
That seems to be the biggest stumbling block for most companies is the inability to plan for environmental aspects of their operations. It is frequently a afterthought and as such receives little attention. The EHS manager spends their time on the HS and little on the E. It is a rarity that you will find a proper environmental or health and safety program, it is normally HS.
The company management then spends little, and listens less especially when they believe there is no regulatory requirement. To them this is license to do as they please and drive the bottom line. Never mind about opportunities tomorrow.
Businesses, west or east (China is no exception) take advantage of these situations. Short term profits are the motivation, never is it for the betterment of that country.
This is why a compassionate capitalist company should look at long term profit potential. Doing the right things does not need to kill the profit margin if executed correctly with advanced forethought and planning.
That seems to be the biggest stumbling block for most companies is the inability to plan for environmental aspects of their operations. It is frequently a afterthought and as such receives little attention. The EHS manager spends their time on the HS and little on the E. It is a rarity that you will find a proper environmental or health and safety program, it is normally HS.
The company management then spends little, and listens less especially when they believe there is no regulatory requirement. To them this is license to do as they please and drive the bottom line. Never mind about opportunities tomorrow.
