Under the weather? How Swiss organizations perceive weather and adapt to its climatic changes
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2020-03-25
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Master Thesis
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yes
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Abstract
Climate change is real, and it is clear that not only mitigation has to happen, but also adaptation. Several countries have formulated adaptation strategies, so did Switzerland. All these strategies are based on the assumption that the negative perception of climate change does lead to a broader implementation of adaptation measures in different sectors. This thesis scrutinizes this assumption and investigates how Swiss organizations deal with weather. Based on a questionnaire with n = 153 respondents (56 of which are from cable car organizations), it investigates the links between the perception of weather, the actions taken upon weather and the organizational traits. Through the application of theories on organizational decision-making and organizational learning, the reasons for the (in-) action were elicited. It was found that the organizations act more upon weather events, when perceived negatively and organizational traits have a little influence on action. This can lead to the conclusion that organizational learning towards adaptation happens based on negative perception. Put into context, this means that the strategies formulated for adaptation, are based on the correct assumption. However much more organizations could act upon weather, when provided with possibilities to do so and when they would be ready to cross their own traditional boundaries.
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published
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Examiner: Bresch, David N.
Examiner: Skelton, Maurice
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ETH Zurich
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09576 - Bresch, David Niklaus / Bresch, David Niklaus