The recognition of sustainability as a crucial aspect of procurement decisions is growing in both private and public organizations. While there are ongoing debates regarding implementation, most organizations consider sustainability as an integral part of their corporate strategy. However, the lack of a consensus on the definition of sustainability leads to variations in focus and application, although a consistent monolithic approach is observed in facilitating sustainable outcomes. The literature suggests that organizations need governance mechanisms that can incorporate systems thinking into decision-making processes regarding sustainable procurement. Systems thinking provides a theoretical understanding of the interconnectedness and interdependencies among entities and actors within the system. It provides clarity on the structure, interactions, and linkages within the system, enabling a better understanding of individual behaviour. Previous research on sustainable procurement has often approached it from an instrumental perspective, treating social and environmental elements as separate and often disregarding traditional strategic issues such as product or service design and investment opportunities. The theoretical framework of this research encompasses system thinking theory, institutional theory, and rational choice theory. System thinking theory and institutional theory contribute to the understanding and implementation of sustainable public procurement, while rational choice theory helps comprehend the behaviour of actors and its impact on decision-making processes and sustainable outcomes. Applying a system thinking perspective and ecological dominant logic, this study examines how governance structures can be leveraged to achieve sustainable outcomes in public procurement within the English context of the UK public sector. Through empirical data, the study explores the conceptualization, integration, and application of sustainable procurement. The findings contribute to the ongoing discourse on the operationalization of sustainable public procurement and offer valuable insights for practitioners, academics, and policymakers interested in promoting sustainable procurement practices.
| Date of Award | 13 May 2024 |
|---|
| Original language | English |
|---|
| Supervisor | Fahham Hasan Qaiser (Main Supervisor) |
|---|