ABSTRACT
The offshore oil industry does not exist isolated from the rest of society, nor should it operate from a narrow interpretation of goals, purposes and agendas. In particular, the industry is linked to a system made up of consumers, regulatory agencies, legislative bodies, state governments and social activist groups. The offshore oil industry needs to view itself as a component of a broader social system that is ever changing. It is within this dynamic environment that the industry must be able to initiate new ideas and attitudes and revise existing positions and practices.
