Environmental management is posing a great challenge to firms and also a permanent test to CEO"s in face of the demands derived from a more rigid state legislation and a higher pressure from changing social values. The industrial park of the State of Ceará is presenting a significant growth, leading to a greater concern over environmental impacts generated by these industries. So, the general objective of this research is to study the largest industrial exporters' of Ceará, considering their conditionings and motivations for investment in actions of environmental management. The methodology uses quantitative methods that were analyzed with the usage of Sphinx software. Data were collected with interviews to the CEO"s of the largest exporters, and high ranked government officials. Only companies with annual revenue above US $1 million were selected. A census was made since the number of companies in those conditions was limited to 55 units. A research pointed to a close relation between the external pressures and environmental answers from the companies. These pressures were necessary so that firms could improve their environmental actions.
Environmental management; condition; motivation
