Environmental psychology and enviromental management: theoretical reflections for understanding the possible integration among areas

Abstract

As from the 70´s, several areas of knowledge begin their interest for the study of environmental issues. Psychology proceeds to investigate the human aspects related to the environmental problems, since most of them are, in fact, human-environmental problems. This article has as objective to bring about a theoretical discussion of the contributions of the psychology for the environmental theme, more specifically about the contribution of the environmental psychology in the context of work organizations and in the implementation of Environmental Management Systems. The relevance of this discussion contributes for the reflection about the deployment of the practices of environmental management in the organizations and the need of behavior changes inside. Besides that, the development of a new positioning of management and workers with regard to environmental issues is pointed out. The environmental psychology, considered as a sub-subject of the Social Psychology, with its applied knowledge and theoretical body consolidated, is presented as a possibility for interdisciplinary research and professional performance.