Abstract
This research aimed at assessing the factors influencing the implementation of ISO 14001 in Saudi Arabia. For this purpose, primary data were collected using a survey questionnaire that was administered to a representative sample of companies in the Jeddah area. The results indicate that the main drivers behind the adoption of the ISO 14001 standard among Saudi companies are corporate image, status, and to some extent the improvement of environmental performance. Hence, the findings suggest that a legitimacy-based model best fits Saudi companies. However, the study also reveals that there are important barriers hindering the adoption of the standard. Among these, the lack of government support and appropriate legislation together with limited pressure from stakeholders as well as the certification costs involved and the huge amount of documentation required are the most prominent. This explains the low number of certified companies in Saudi Arabia. Overall, the study reveals that companies are less likely to voluntarily consider adopting the standard and that the government should develop strategies, policy reforms and incentive schemes to reduce the barriers to implementing ISO 14001.