ABSTRACT

In this chapter, we provide a bridge between the preceding theoretical chapters and the ensuing analytical ones. We begin with an overview of the theory of the firm and organizations, followed by an explanation of issues pertaining to public regulation and control and its relevance to forest management. Then we highlight the significance of culture, conventions and norms as informal institutional constraints using forestry examples. The major policy instruments available to forestry decision-makers are then outlined in the context of British Columbia’s forestry sector. Finally, we discuss linkages between sustainable forestry and the new institutional economics.