Organisational Change in Edf Energy

Investigation of Organisational Change in the UK Energy Sector Caused by Climate Change Mitigation

Elina Vikmane

Supervisor: Beth Kewell

24 September 2010

Dissertation submitted in part fulfilment of the degree of MSc in Corporate Social Responsibility with Environmental Management

The York Management School University of York

Abstract

The electricity sector worldwide, arguably the largest contributor to the causes of global climate change, is under pressure from different stakeholders to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and switch to green energy sources. This dissertation investigates the organisational constraints that prevent electricity companies from changing traditional methods of energy sourcing. The author used EDF Energy as a case study to investigate the role of institutions within electricity companies in climate change mitigation process. The research is based on a literature review of the risk and responsibility for climate change of corporations, and the role of institutions in organisational change process. The research was complemented by analysis of EDF Energy Sustainability Reports. The dissertation found that the electricity sector in the UK is so constrained with the old energy sourcing methods that it cannot change itself as quickly as EDF Energy reports. The research suggests that the necessary change in the electricity sector to reduce carbon dioxide emissions will only happen gradually, once started. This is because institutions take time to change, and the reported image of EDF Energy is not a true reflection of the change in the company.

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Acknowledgements

I would like to thank my supervisor Beth Kewell for her continued support and guidance throughout all the dissertation stages. Beth has an incredible ability to motivate myself and other students. I would like to say thanks to my friends Katy and Alex, who patiently proofread my work. Lastly, I want to thank all my coursemates with whom I shared the...