Abstract
Purpose. This study investigates the factors that affect plants' compliance behaviors and the association between these factors and compliance. Theoretical framework. The study was based on the theoretical assumption of "systems theory" that compliance is associated with its internal and external environments. Methodology. A cross-sectional design was used to measure the relationship between compliance and the variables in four categories. This survey research examines the relationship through analysis of open-ended questionnaires, interviews, individuals' and plants' profiles and governmental data. Data were analyzed using standard descriptive, correlation, cross-tabulation, and linear regression statistical analyses. Major findings. The compliance behaviors of wastewater abatement plants in Taiwan were affected by the EPA efforts, the management nature, and the plant characteristics, but not by the weather patterns. Conclusion and recommendations. Plants with higher educated employees are more likely to comply. The EPA unified enforcement strategies appear to be ineffective. It is recommended that plants should recruit employees with higher education degree and the EPA should secure its effectiveness with combined and more flexible enforcement strategies.