The challenge of balanced policy and law for socially responsible water storage management. Issue 4 (5th October 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tingey-Holyoak, Joanne; Pisaniello, John D.
• Is Part Of: Social responsibility journal. Volume 11:Issue 4(2015)
• Page Start: 764
• Page End: 779
• Publication Date: 2015-10-05
• Subjects: Drought -- Flood risk -- Sustainable agribusiness policy -- Water storage responsibility; Social responsibility of business -- Periodicals; 658.40805
• DOI: 10.1108/SRJ-07-2014-0093
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1747-1117

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: – The purpose of this study is to investigate what represents "balanced" policy. Drought conditions create pressures on farmers to store excessive water unfairly, creating unsafe structures in flood, which creates a dual-extreme risk with potentially catastrophic social consequences downstream. "Balanced" policy for socially responsible water storage management that accounts for farmers' responses to regulations is a key to minimising this risk. Design/methodology/approach: – This study investigated the problem through application of Oliver's (1991) strategic response typology to a survey of 202 agribusiness managers in four different institutional environments. Findings: – Evidence of diverse policy in Australia and results of 202 farmers surveyed suggest that "unbalanced" policy that does not infringe on farmer decision-making power will engender lower resistance, but in a "best balance" environment, stronger resistance is evident. Originality/value: – The study demonstrates a need to consider more reflexive regulatory mixes for socially responsible water-storage behaviour by agribusiness.