A Novel framework to assess the level of energy culture maturity : the case of textile and apparel industrial organisations

Abstract

Global progress of energy-related improvements is considerably behind the curve dueto the slow progress of existing initiatives. Hence, there is a pressing need foralternative approaches. Emerging energy culture research area has been identified as apromising approach to look at the lower progress of energy-related improvements. However, energy culture maturity frameworks have not been established yet despitethe ability for performance improvement proved by other culture maturity frameworks, like safety culture maturity. Hence, this study aimed to develop a mechanism to assesthe level of energy culture maturity focused on the textile and apparel industriaorganisations in Sri Lanka, which is the major energy-consuming industry in the country with considerable energy issues. This study was conducted in two (02) phaseto develop and evaluate an energy culture maturity assessment framework. Phase developed the energy culture maturity framework using three (03) steps. Accordingly,Steps 1 and 2 developed a draft energy culture maturity framework using 10 and 15semi-structured interviews respectively. Then, Step 3 refined the draft framework using three (03) focus groups with four (04) participants each. Phase II of the studyevaluated the applicability of Phase I’s framework using three (03) case studies of large-scale textile and apparel industrial organisations in Sri Lanka. The findings of the study revealed a novel energy culture maturity assessment framework and itapplicability for assessing the energy culture maturity of large-scale textile and appareindustrial organisations in Sri Lanka. This study not only took the innovative step of developing the first energy culture maturity conceptual framework and energy culturematurity framework for textile and apparel industrial organisations but also provides arobust mechanism for policymakers and practitioners to assess the level of energyculture maturity in textile and apparel industrial organisations.