Introduction

Chapter 1 sets the stage for the dissertation by providing a comprehensive review of the literature on VEPs, distinguishing them from other voluntary approaches. It examines common research methodologies and discusses the findings and limitations of existing studies. The chapter introduces a novel perspective by focusing on the role of program organizers – whether they are corporations, CSOs, or governments – in shaping the design and effectiveness of VEPs. This organizer-focused lens is used to revisit the definition and scope of VEPs, highlighting how different motivations and structures impact outcomes. The chapter also explores the theoretical foundations underpinning VEPs, drawing on self-governance theory, business ethics, and nudge theory to explain why organizations initiate or participate in these programs. By situating VEPs within broader regulatory and societal contexts, the Introduction lays out the dissertation’s objectives: to analyze the values, applications, and legal frameworks of VEPs in the United States and China, and to identify lessons for future policy and legislative development.