The aim of the article is to explore the complexities of the ISO 14001 implementation process, with the objective of identifying the barriers to its implementation, the factors that influence these barriers, and finding possible solutions to address these barriers. The theoretical basis of ISO 14001, the implementation process, and its strategic implications were established by reviewing previous research. Based on this theoretical review, a self-administered questionnaire was designed to serve as a measuring instrument for the empirical research conducted among members of the Durban Automotive Cluster (DAC). The specific objectives of the empirical study were: to determine the reasons for seeking ISO 14001 certification, to determine the perceived and experienced barriers to its implementation, and to investigate the strategic implications of an Environmental Management System (EMS) such as ISO 14001. Finally, the findings, recommendations, caveats, and suggestions for further research are summarised. OPSOMMINGDie oogmerk van hierdie artikel is om die kompleksiteit van die ISO 14001 implementeringsproses te ondersoek met die doel om die hindernisse wat implementering belemmer en die faktore wat hierdie hindernisse beïnvloed vas te stel, en moontlike oplossings te vind. Die teoretiese grondslag van ISO 14001, die implementeringsproses, en die strategiese implikasies is op 'n oorsig van bestaande navorsing gebaseer. Gegrond op hierdie teoretiese oorsig is 'n selfgeadministreerde vraelys opgestel om as metingsinstrument te dien vir die empiriese navorsing wat onder lede van die "Durban Automotive Cluster (DAC)" uitgevoer is. Die spesifieke doelstellings van die empiriese studie was: om die redes waarom ISO 14001 sertifisering nagestreef is te bepaal; om die persepsies van en werklike hindernisse ten opsigte van implementering te bepaal; en om die strategiese implikasies van 'n Omgewingsbestuursisteem soos ISO 14001 te ondersoek. Die bevindings, aanbevelings, tekortkominge, en voorstelle vir verdere navorsing word ten slotte in die artikel saamgevat.

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