3.2. Data collection and sampling characteristics
The survey targeted ISO 14001 certified E&E manufacturing firms operating in Malaysia because these firms are more conscious of the environmental impact exerted by its processes and products. Based on Eltayeb et al. (2010), Sroufe (2003) and Gonzlez et al. (2008), organization is the unit of analysis and the representatives of this study are managers of Environmental, Health and Safety Department or environmental management representatives who are responsible to ensure IS0 14001 compliant environment management system. With reference to FMM-MATRADE Industry Directory for Electrical and Electronics 2007/2008, the sampling frame is 177 companies and Krejcie and Morgan (1970) recommended a sample size of 122. Due to possibility of low response rate, the survey was self-administered to each population element to elevate the generalizability of findings. Some level of personalization such as over-the-phone conversations took place to address, brief and induce the interest of respondents. Both hardcopy and softcopy of the survey questionnaire were mailed out to provide convenience to respondents and a series of periodic reminders derived a final sample of 89 organizations. Consequently, responses that return with unclear answers are followed up to reduce non-response error due to uncertainty or misinterpretation.