The Emergent Nature of Networked Sustainable Procurement

Per Engelseth, Richard Glavee-Geo, Artur Janusz and Enoch Niboi
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Per Engelseth: School of Business and Economics Narvik Campus, University of Tromsø, 8514 Narvik, Norway
Richard Glavee-Geo: Institute of International Business, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 6025 Ålesund, Norway
Artur Janusz: Faculty of Management, University of Lodz, 90-237 Lodz, Poland
Enoch Niboi: Department of Logistics, Molde University College, 6410 Molde, Norway

Sustainability, 2020, vol. 13, issue 1, 1-18

Abstract: The complex and networked nature of sustainable procurement is evoked through confronting two conceptual models, the triple bottom line-inspired parallel-type “interlocking circles model” with the more systems-oriented series-type “concentric circles model”. This endeavor is integrated with a developed application of contingency theory rooted in network thinking. Two subcase narratives from Ghana, one in the upstream portion of the supply chain associated with exploration and platform-based production, and the other an oil refinery in the downstream part are provided. Interaction, interdependency, and integration, all associated with value, conceptually ground the analyses. A developed empirically grounded conceptual model depicts sustainability as systemically intertwined with value and networked in an immediate business, network, and wider noncontextual natural and social environment. Sustainable procurement is networked, a value creating managerial process rather than, as the triple bottom line posits, a norm “out there” directing managerial action. Sustainability is inherently complex. Rather than guiding action through deterministic ethical norms, it emerges as emergent practices primarily through purposeful interaction within the supply network that instead may be interpreted and developed in a long-term sense through using the two discussed conceptual models on sustainable production.

Keywords: sustainable production; procurement; petroleum industry; case study; Ghana (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2020:i:1:p:134-:d:468171

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