Orchestrating strategy implementation: A grounded theory approach to environmental management in strategies focused on the Chesapeake Bay

Implementation of strategic environmental management initiatives has been a challenge in the public, private and non-governmental sectors. Research that brings these sectors together provides an opportunity to investigate the interactions of these sectors, the three of which make important contributions to natural environment improvements and restoration. The synthesis of literature on implementation from strategic management, public policy and strategic environmental management disciplines provided the foundation for this study and produced a conceptual implementation model with four factors: communication, accountability, resource allocation and evaluation and control (CARE).; Understanding of the implementation phenomenon was reviewed through case studies on environmental management initiatives and was supported by the grounded theory research method. The findings develop a foundation for a strategy implementation model. The CARE model highlights an integrated approach to environmental strategy implementation and provides the groundwork for future theory development. The results expand the understanding of strategy implementation and contribute several CARE tools and techniques used during environmental initiatives.