ASSESSMENT OF FACTORS INFLUENCING THE ADOPTION OF SUSTAINABLE PROCUREMENT PRACTICES IN THE NIGERIAN PRIVATE SECTOR

Abstract

This study assesses factors influencing the adoption of sustainable procurement practices in the Nigerian private sector. The study x-rayed the strategic functions that can greatly impact organisational performance, competitiveness, and sustainability. The study is grounded in two complementary management theories: the Resource-Based View (RBV) and stakeholder theory for its analysis. The study uses both quantitative and qualitative methods for data generation and analysis. This was derived from both secondary and primary sources, which include existing documents on the subject matter. The qualitative data were analysed descriptively, while simple statistical tools were used to analyse the quantitative data. Accordingly, the study used Yamane's published table for the calculation of a sample size for a given combination of precision, confidence levels, and variability. Furthermore, the study adopted descriptive statistics to clarify what is occurring in sustainable procurement practices, while multiple regressions elucidates why it is happening and which factors are most significant. This integrated approach enhances the rigour, reliability, and policy relevance of the research outcomes. The study discovered that Strategic Perception and Adoption (H1), and the regression results confirm that managerial perception of sustainability as a profit-driver is a significant positive predictor of sustainable procurement adoption (β = 0.230, p < 0.01). This validates the Resource-Based View (RBV), demonstrating that internal managerial mindset and cognitive framing serve as vital organisational capabilities that encourage firms to move beyond traditional cost-cutting models. The study recommends that companies ought to allocate resources towards managerial education, technical skills, and the exchange of knowledge to enhance their capacity for implementing sustainable procurement practices. This involves training procurement staff in areas such as life-cycle costing, evaluating suppliers, and sourcing environmentally friendly products.