A systematic review of barriers impeding the implementation of government green procurement
ISSN: 1535-0118
Article publication date: 19 October 2020
Issue publication date: 25 October 2020
Abstract
Purpose
Government green procurement (GGP) is becoming a popular environmental policy instrument to spur the economy whilst protecting the environment. However, the implementation of GGP is impeded by various barriers. This paper aims to analyse the existing literature on barriers impeding GGP.
Design/methodology/approach
This systematic literature review was guided by the PRISMA Statement (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) review method. A total of 29 articles from the Scopus and Web of Science databases were selected for the review.
Findings
Five themes, i.e. finance, legal, people, knowledge and organisation, emerged from this review, which further produced 16 sub-themes. Lack of knowledge and awareness were the major barriers for GGP, while financial constraint was not the major barrier for GGP, as previously perceived. Barriers related to organisation were the most complex. Certain barriers were found more in developed or developing countries.
Research limitations/implications
Only article journals with empirical data were selected. Review articles, book series, books, chapters in books and conference proceedings were excluded.
Practical implications
Public managers should place highest priority to enhance knowledge and awareness of procurers on GGP. Other important initiatives to be undertaken include emulating best practices, implementing change management and incentivising suppliers to tackle the prevalent barriers of GGP. Finally, with increasing evidences on barriers related to GGP, public managers should consider mapping and analysing specific barriers hindering GGP in their organisation/country.
Social implications
A less challenging and efficient implementation of GGP contributes to a cleaner environment.
Originality/value
This article will be the first to systematically review the barriers of GGP.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This work was supported by the Federal Training Award Scheme of Jabatan Perkhidmatan Awam Malaysia [grant number: JPA(1)831013105862].
Citation
Vejaratnam, N., Mohamad, Z.F. and Chenayah, S. (2020), "A systematic review of barriers impeding the implementation of government green procurement", Journal of Public Procurement, Vol. 20 No. 4, pp. 451-471. https://doi.org/10.1108/JOPP-02-2020-0013
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited