Exploring the critical determinants of environmentally oriented public procurement using the DEMATEL method

This study explores the critical determinants of environmentally oriented public procurement in Singapore, and investigates the causal relationships among the determinants that influence this procurement. Using the extant literature and basing our examination on natural-resource-based theory, we develop a conceptual framework for the implementation of environmentally oriented public procurement using three high-level dimensions and ten determinants. Sixteen interviews were conducted with 16 senior executives working in various ministries and statutory boards in Singapore who are closely involved in the public-procurement process. The decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method, which is a multicriteria decision-making tool, is employed to analyse the interview data and information. The results of the analysis reveal that the two most critical determinants for environmentally oriented public procurement in Singapore are energy-efficiency strategy and environmental standards. These two determinants were also found to be the primary drivers of the implementation of environmentally oriented public procurement in Singapore. Through further analysis using the level of influence, a cognition map is developed to illustrate the relationships among the ten determinants. Understanding the dynamic nature of public procurement through these causal relationships is essential for the formulation of environmentally oriented public procurement implementation strategies.