Sustainable Public Procurement as Organisational Transformation

Abstract

This study explores the role of Sustainable Public Procurement (SPP) as a driver of organisational transformation within public sector institutions. While SPP is traditionally viewed as a tool for achieving environmental and social policy objectives, this research positions it as a strategic mechanism that reshapes institutional processes, cultures, and priorities. Adopting a qualitative research design grounded in interpretivism, the study draws on semi-structured interviews with procurement officers, sustainability managers, and senior executives across selected public organisations. Thematic analysis of the data reveals three core findings: (1) practical implementation of SPP is strongly linked to strategic alignment with national policy and top management support; (2) capacity gaps among procurement professionals and limited supplier readiness hinder transformation efforts; and (3) SPP fosters a cultural shift from cost-based decision-making to value-based procurement practices. The study concludes that SPP, when embedded adequately within institutional frameworks and supported by continuous capacity-building, can serve as a powerful lever for organisational transformation. These findings offer important implications for policymakers, procurement leaders, and public sector reform advocates aiming to enhance sustainability while modernising public institutions.