The Impact of Adopting Sustainable Supply Chain Management Practices on the Performance of Public Sector Organizations in Zambia: A Case Study of Zambia Air Force

Abstract

Purpose: The main objective of this study was to assess the impact of adopting sustainable Supply Chain Management practices on the performance of public sector organizations in Zambia. The study was anchored on three objectives: To identify the main drivers of adopting sustainable supply chain management practices in public sector organizations in Zambia, to establish sustainable supply chain management practices adopted by public sector organizations in Zambia and to determine the challenges of implementing sustainability in public sector supply chains in Zambia. Methodology: The study adopted a descriptive (qualitative) survey design to assess the impact of adopting sustainable Supply Chain Management practices on the performance of public sector organizations. The population comprised of fifty (50) Zambia Air Force personnel from Procurement, Operations and Finance departments. Survey questionnaire and in-depth interviews were used for data collection. Data was analysed using Excel and thematic analysis was used were data from questionnaires and interviews was summarized, edited, coded, tabulated and analyzed. Findings: The study concluded that leadership is a significant factor in Sustainable supply chain management practices being implemented by public sector organizations, and if senior managers are supportive of sustainability and incorporate Sustainable supply chain management practices into planning, strategies and goal setting, then the purchasing team will implement Sustainable supply chain management practices. Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: The study recommended that Zambia Air Force should make use of identified main drivers of adopting sustainable supply chain management practices, continuously improve sustainable supply chain management practices and should endeavor to overcome the challenges of implementing sustainability in its supply chains.