Cognition map of environmentally-oriented government procurement: an application of the DEMATEL approach

Purpose: The objective of this study is to identify the critical determinants of environmentally-oriented government procurement in Singapore and investigates the causal relationships among the determinants influencing environmentally-oriented procurement. Design/Methodology/Approach: A three-part questionnaire was employed for interviews and data collection. A total of sixteen interviews were conducted with senior officials working in various Ministries and Statutory Boards in Singapore. They were chosen based on the consideration that they play critical role in decision-making in government procurement process and have extensive experience in procurement. The DEMATEL cognition mapping process was used to analyse data and determine the determinants influencing environmentally-oriented procurement. Findings: The results show that government statutory boards and ministries in Singapore engaged in environmentally-oriented procurement should pay attention to the determinants such as organisations' commitment, ISO 14001, and energy efficiency. Originality/Value - This study not only identified the critical determinants environmentally-oriented public procurement but also developed the casual relationships between these determinants. An assessment of the direct and indirect impacts through the casual relationships between drivers and receivers would help mangers develop appropriate strategies for the implementation of environmentally-oriented government procurement in Singapore. Practical Implications - Understanding of the dynamic nature of the government procurement through these causal relationships is critical to the formulation of environmentally-oriented procurement implementation strategies.