Assessing the Impact of Sustainable Public Procurement on Organisational Practices and Stakeholder Engagement Towards Environmental and Social Responsibility: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of sustainable public procurement (SPP) on organisational practices and stakeholder engagement, with a specific focus on achieving environmental and social responsibility. Sustainable public procurement is increasingly recognised as a critical component in promoting sustainability, requiring a systematic review of its implications and effectiveness. This research aims to analyse the integration of sustainable practices within public procurement and how these practices influence organisational behaviors and stakeholder interactions towards sustainability goals. The study employed a systematic literature review methodology, following the PRISMA framework to ensure rigorous and comprehensive analysis. Literature from 2016 to 2024 was reviewed, involving an extensive search across the Scopus database. The review process included screening for eligibility, and thematic analysis was conducted using Atlas-ti software to identify and synthesize key themes and patterns related to SPP’s impact on organisational practices and stakeholder engagement. The findings reveal that sustainable public procurement significantly improves organisational performance in environmental and social dimensions. The integration of green procurement strategies reduces environmental impact, while ethical procurement practices improve social equity and stakeholder trust. However, the adoption of sustainable procurement practices contributes to economic efficiency and long-term financial stability. The study highlights the need of forward-thinking organisational strategies that align procurement processes with sustainability objectives, thereby encouraging a holistic approach to achieving sustainability. This research concludes that sustainable public procurement is a key strategy for advancing environmental and social responsibility within organisations. It not only improves operational efficiency but also strengthens stakeholder engagement by promoting transparency and accountability. The insights from this review provide valuable guidance for policymakers and practitioners to improve sustainable procurement practices, thereby contributing to broader sustainability goals.