ABSTRACT
Management actions are environmentally oriented when they consider matters related to the ecosphere. An ecosystem is the network of interactions between organisms and their environment. Ecosystems include living and non-living components. Living components of an ecosystem include plants and animals. Non-living things in an ecosystem include the soil type, weather and shape of the land. The cycling of nutrients is an important aspect of non-living ecosystems because all living components depend on this cycle for life. The cycle is normally considered to be self-regulating and self-sustaining. However, concern is expressed about possible human involvement in the ecosphere that is leading to a breakdown in self-regulation, a loss of equilibrium and a threat to the existence of life. Environmental orientation takes into account the observation that ecosystems have a limited capacity that constrains the use and exploitation of natural resources. The idea of sustainable development highlights what is meant by adopting an environmental orientation.
