Toward Integrated Environmental Management: A Framework Based On Policy, Governance, And Stakeholder Dynamics

Integrated environmental management (IEM) has been widely advocated as a response to complex, cross-sectoral environmental challenges; however, empirical evidence remains limited regarding how policy integration translates into measurable environmental outcomes under varying institutional conditions. This study develops and empirically tests an IEM framework linking environmental policy integration (EPI), governance capacity (GC), stakeholder participation (SP), and institutional support (IS) to environmental performance (EP). Using a quantitative cross-sectional survey of environmental management professionals in public institutions (N = 367), the study applies a two-step SEM procedure. Measurement quality is assessed via confirmatory factor analysis, and hypotheses are tested through structural equation modeling with bootstrapped mediation and interaction-based moderation. The CFA results demonstrate satisfactory internal consistency and construct validity (Cronbach’s α = .86–.91; CR = .88–.92; AVE = .64–.70), and discriminant validity is supported using the Fornell–Larcker criterion. Structural results indicate that EPI positively predicts EP (β = .24, p < .001), and SP has an additional direct positive effect on EP (β = .21, p < .001). GC partially mediates the relationship between EPI and EP, evidenced by a significant indirect effect (β = .15, p < .001) and a remaining significant direct effect (β = .12, p = .016). Moreover, IS strengthens the implementation-to-performance relationship, as shown by a significant interaction effect on EP (β = .10, p = .012). Overall, the findings suggest that IEM effectiveness depends not only on policy coherence but also on governance capacity, stakeholder engagement, and supportive institutional conditions. The study contributes a validated, mechanism-oriented framework and offers practical implications for improving cross-sector coordination, capacity building, and institutional credibility in environmental governance.