Investigating the Dynamics of Sustainable Procurement Implementation Practices in UAE Businesses

This research examines the adoption of sustainable procurement within UAE organizations, focusing on the dynamics and outcomes of implementation processes. The research is framed by the aim to identify both the challenges and drivers influencing sustainable procurement practices, with a particular emphasis on the phases before and after their adoption. The study is contextualized within the broader landscape of UAE's regulatory and economic environment, providing a backdrop against which these practices are assessed. The investigation is guided by three research questions: How do companies understand sustainability and what sustainable procurement initiatives are they currently implementing? What are the primary pre-implementation opportunities and obstacles encountered by these companies? What new challenges and opportunities do companies face after implementing sustainable procurement practices? To address these questions, the study employs a qualitative methodology, incorporating reviews of existing literature and insights from procurement experts within the UAE. The sample includes various organizations that are actively engaged in adopting sustainable procurement practices, providing a comprehensive view of the field.
The results reveal that significant pre-implementation challenges such as cultural resistance and high initial costs often hinder the adoption of sustainable practices. Post-implementation, while organizations benefit from enhanced regulatory compliance and operational efficiencies, they continue to grapple with maintaining momentum and adapting to evolving regulations. A unique insight from this research is the significant role of regulatory compliance as a primary driver of sustainable procurement in the UAE, distinguishing it from Western models where market forces predominate. From these findings, the study concludes that while sustainable procurement practices offer substantial benefits, their adoption is complex and loaded with challenges. The critical role of government regulations in driving these practices underscores the unique context of the UAE.
The primary limitation of this research lies in its focused examination of the UAE, which, while providing in-depth insights, limits the generalizability of the findings to other regions with different cultural, economic, or regulatory contexts. This regional specificity means the results may not be directly applicable to countries with less stringent regulatory frameworks or where market forces play a more significant role in driving sustainability practices. Additionally, the study's qualitative methodology, although rich in detailed narrative and contextual understanding, lacks the quantitative data that could lend a broader perspective on the impact and efficacy of sustainable procurement across various industries and scales of operation.
Recommendations for future research include expanding the geographic scope of the study for comparative analyses with other regions and conducting quantitative studies to empirically measure the impacts of sustainable procurement on organizational performance and environmental outcomes. For practitioners, it is recommended that organizations leverage technological advancements to mitigate initial costs and resistance, and to enhance the integration of sustainable practices into their operational frameworks.