Seven environmental management strategy models were reviewed, investigating their classification approaches, underlying structures and assumptions. Two major types of classification approaches are identified: (i) continuum/ progression and (ii) categorical. A deductive approach is used for model development and only one model, that of Schot, has been evaluated in a research context. This evaluation sets a background for understanding the current research which utilizes the continuum model proposed by Hunt and Auster as the research framework for a study of eight Norwegian firms in two industries: printing and food processing. One conclusion of the study points to the inadequacy of the Hunt and Auster model as a research framework. Difficulties in classifymg the companies into the model were evident when a multi-dimensional construct was collapsed into a linear rating scale. This did not lead to a successful approach to the classification of the companies being studied. A different analysis approach, which maintains the multi-dimensional nature of the data (cluster analysis), was then used to develop a new model. Through using an inductive approach, a preliminary empirically based model where all the data can CCC 0964-4733/96/020059-10 0 1996 by John