It's apparent that policy makers must avoid a one-size-fits-all approach and be innovative when designing environmental policies.'

Upper management's environmental values were one of the leading factors affecting a firm's decision about whether to over-comply with environmental standards.

Pressures from consumers, investors and interest groups have no statistically significant impact on a firm's decision to violate or comply with environmental regulations.

However, facilities that make products that are sold directly to consumers or offer services directly to them are less likely to violate the regulations. Competitive market forces are significant factors in deterring environmental violations.

These results were published online in the Journal of Environmental Management.