Salford Business School

Factors Influencing Green Procurement Practices Implementation for

Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Liberia

Zetta Majohn Sankoh

Student ID: @00654530

A dissertation is submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the

University of Salford for the degree of MSc Procurement, Logistics and

Supply Chain Management

Date: September 2022

Word Count: 14,045

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 Declaration
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Assessed work which does not have this form attached will be returned unmarked.
Programme & Year MSc Procurement, Logistics and Supply Chain Management &
2021/2022

Module Dissertation

Supervisor Dr. Vesna Sedoglavich

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By submitting my work here, I declare that:
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Name (print) ZETTA MAJOHN SANKOH

ID Number @00654530 Date September 30, 2022

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Statement of Originality

I hereby affirm that the research I used to create this dissertation is entirely original,

and no portion of it has ever been submitted for credit at this university or any other

university. I do grant permission to the university to give full access to anyone who

may wish to consult this dissertation.

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 Abstract

The dissertation's major goal was to evaluate the factors that affect how Small and
Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Liberia use green procurement methods. The
three specific goals of the dissertation were to: first, review pertinent literature to
examine the effects of green procurement practices among SMEs in Liberia; second,
gather pertinent information on barriers to the adoption of green procurement
practices among SMEs in Liberia; and third, provide a set of recommendations that
will assist particular SMEs in implementing green procurement practices in Liberia.
The choice of a descriptive research design was made possible by the application of
a quantitative research strategy. Four SMEs made up the study's population, and 60
people were included in the sample. Data were gathered from primary and secondary
sources. The respondents were the source of the first data collection through survey
questionnaire and the secondary data was collected from relevant literature.

Findings from the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) shows that government regulations,
consumer pressure, top management support and supplier relationship may be used
to predict the use of green procurement practices statistically and significantly (F=
99.870, p0.05).

The study therefore concludes that that government regulations, consumer pressure,
top management support and supplier relationship influence the implementation of
green procurement practices.

The report suggests that in order for all SMEs operating in Liberia to follow green
procurement methods, the government should ensure rigorous compliance with the
legislation. There is also need for the Public Procurement and Concession Act
(PPCC) to be amended in order to incorporate green procurement practices that will
be binding on all businesses and entities operating in Liberia.

The research is significant because it will provide an insight to management of the

four selected SMEs companies in recognizing the factors that can have an impact on
how green procurement strategies are implemented. Findings from the study will
serve as a guide in formulating policies and practices that take into consideration
green procurement strategies. The research contributes to the empirical literature by
assessing factors influencing the implementation of green procurement practices by
SMEs in Liberia. The findings from the study contribute to the currently body of
empirical literature on green procurement practices.

Key words: green procurement practices, implementation, SMEs, Liberia,

consumer pressure, government regulation, top management support

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 Acknowledgements

My family, professors, and associates’ support and encouragement made it feasible

for me to finish this dissertation. I sincerely appreciate the support, prompt advice,

and attention to detail provided by my supervisor, Dr. Vesna Sedoglavich, which

allowed me to complete my project. My profound gratitude to the PREVAIL family

for the financial support in seeing me through this project.

In addition, I want to thank the research participants E. T. E Geo-Services Enterprise,

Inc., AAmar Recycling Company, Liberty Investment and M. Sall Business Center for

their significant input and willingness to provide critical data that helped this study be

completed.

Lastly, I want to express my gratitude to my mom Ciata L. Gardiner, and my two

daughters (Ciata & Morrie) who have all made significant time and financial

sacrifices. Special thanks to my brother Zex, who maintained center management

throughout my temporary absence.

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Table of Contents

Statement of Originality..iii
Abstract.....................................................................................................................iv
Acknowledgement......................................................................................................v
Content .....................................................................................................................vi
List of Figures .........................................................................................................viii
List of Tables ............................................................................................................ix
List of Abbreviations .................................................................................................x
Chapter 1: .................................................................................................................1
Introduction ...……………………...…………………………………….…………………1
1.1 Background .........................................................................................................1
1.2 Decision Problem ................................................................................................6
1.3 Purpose ......………………………………………………………………...................7
1.4 Research Questions ….…………………………………………………………........7
1.4.1 Sub-questions .….……………………………………………………………..........7
1.5 Research Objectives ....……………………………………………………………….7
1.6 Scope .……………….…………………………………………………………............8
1.7. Proposed Research Methodology.….…………………...………………………….8
1.8 Proposed Significance of the Study ...…….…………………………………………9
1.9 Organization of the Study ……………………….……………………………...........9
1.10 Chapter Summary ...….……………………….…………………………………....10
Chapter 2: Literature Review……………………….……………………….…………...11
2.0 Introduction …….…………………………………….……………………………….11
2.1 Theoretical Framework ......................................................................................11
2.1.1 Resource Based View ……………………………………………………….........11
2.1.2 Stakeholders Theory ……………....................................................................12
2.1.3 Green Productivity Theory ………………………………………………….........13
2.2 Government Regulations...……………………………………………………........15
2.3 Consumer Pressure...………………………………………………...………...…...17
2.4 Top Management Support .………………………………………………..............18
2.5 Supplier Relationship …………………………………………………...................19
2.6 Green Procurement Practices .…………………………………………………….20
2.7 Empirical Review ……………………………………………………………...........23
2.8 Implementation of Green Procurement ……………….......................................28
2.9 Identified Gap in the Literature ……………………………..................................30
2.10 Conceptual Framework ……………………………………………………………31
2.11 Chapter Summary.…………………………………………….............................31
Chapter 3: Research Methodology….………………………………………………….33
3.0 Introduction ..........……………………………………………………………………33
3.1 Research Philosophy .......……………….………………………………………….31
3.2 Research Approach ..........………………………………………………………….37
3.2.1 Qualitative vs Quantitative ......…………………………………………………...37
3.3 Research Design .......……………………………………………………………….38
3.4 Target Population .........……………………………….…………………………….40
3.4.1 Target Population .........…………………………………………….…………….40
3.5 Sampling and Sampling Technique .......………………………………………….40
3.5.1 Sampling Frame ........…………………………………………………………. ...41
3.6 Research Instruments .................……………………………………………….....41
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3.7 Pilot Study .......……………………………………………………………………....42
3.8 Data Collection Procedure ,,,......………………………………………………......42
3.9 Methods of Data Processing and Statistical Analysis ..............…………………43
3.10 Validity ..........………………………………………………………………….........43
3.11 Reliability Test ........……......………………………………………………………44
3.12 Ethics and Ethical Issues ............…………………………………………………44
3.13 Chapter summary .........……………....……………………………………………45
Chapter 4: Research findings ................……………………………………………….46
4.1 Introduction ................……………………………………………………………….46
4.2 Questionnaire types and design .............…………………….……………………46
4.3 Response Rate ...........………………………………………………………………46
4.4 Government Regulations ...........……………………………………………………49
4.5 Consumer Pressure ...........…………………………………………………………50
4.6 Top Management Support ............…………………………………………………52
4.7 Supplier Relationship Management ...............…….………………………………54
4.8 Implementation of Green Procurement Practices .........…………………………56
4.9 Regression Analysis .............……………………………….………………………57
4.10 Chapter summary ...............………….……………………………………………60
Chapter 5: Discussions ...................……………………………………………………61
5.0 Introduction .................………………………………………………………………61
5.1 Discussions and analyses findings ..............………………………………………61
5.2 Conceptual Framework Re-visited ....................................................................64
5.3 Chapter Summary ..............…………………………………………………………66
Chapter 6: Conclusions and Recommendations ..............……………………………67
6.1 Introduction .........……………….…………………………………………………....67
6.2 Research conclusions and recommendations ...............…………………………71
6.3 Recommendations for further research ........…………………………………......71
Chapter summary ........….……………………………………………………………….72
References .............……………………………………………………………………… a
Appendix 1: Questionnaire ........................................................................................a
Appendix 2: Participant information sheet ..........……………………………………….e
Appendix 3: Research Participant Consent Form .............…………………………….f
Appendix 4: Management Letter - consent to approach research participants .........g
Appendix 5: Taught Ethical Application .....................................................................h

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List of Figure

Figure 2.1 Conceptual Framework 22

viii
List of Tables

Table 1: Gender of Respondent 34

Table 2: Educational Background 34

Table 3: Work Experience of the respondents 35

Table 4: Government Regulations 35

Table 5: Consumer Pressure 36

Table 6: Top Management Support 37

Table 7: Supplier Relationship Management 38

Table 8: Implementation of Green Procurement Practices SMEs in Liberia 40

Table 9: Model Summary 42

Table 10: ANOVAa 42

Table 11: Coefficientsa 43

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List of abbreviations

GP - Green Procurement

RBV - Resource Based View

SCM - Supply Chain Management

SMEs - Small Medium-sized Enterprises

UK - United Kingdom

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 Chapter 1:

1.0 INTRODUCTION

This chapter discusses the need for SMEs in Liberia to adopt green procurement

strategies. The background, decision dilemma, purpose, goals, scope, significance, and

organization of the study were the first topics covered in this chapter.

1.1 Background

Green purchasing strategies ensure that SMEs satisfy consumer needs for goods and

services in a way that maximizes value across the full product's lifecycle (CIPS, 2008).

Azevedo et al. (2011) and Chang & Wong (2010) found that SMEs can provide

satisfactions for societies and economies as well as for themselves and minimize harms

to the environment. Therefore, the notion of "green procurement" has been defined to

cover factors such as the optimization of pricing, quality, accessibility, environmental life-

cycle impact, and social implications relative to the origination of the product or service

(PWC, 2010). According to Golicic & Smith (2013), green buying practices can

significantly improve a company's financial and non-financial results.

Research conducted globally, as well as by Addo (2017), Brandt et al. (2012), Prempeh

(2016), and Shin, Ennis and Spurlin (2015), has suggested that the benefactions that

production enterprises provide to an economy should not be undervalued. They are

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significant benefactors to the formation of jobs, the generating of revenues, and the

expansion of the economy (Brandt et al., 2012, Panigrahi, 2013). Small and medium-

sized businesses according to Carter & Eastern (2011), are the core of industrial activity

due to the fact that they work with a wide variety of raw materials and have a variety of

effects on the environment. They went on to say that it was essential for the outcomes of

their actions to be environmentally friendly to prevent detrimental social and economic

effects on economies. This has the effect that, several environmentally responsible

purchasing procedures have developed among SMEs in order to lessen the detrimental

effects that their operations have on society and the environment. Most of these methods

have been implemented as a reaction to requests made by institutional actors like

organization stakeholders and the board in response to both internal and external

regulatory environments (Pache & Santos, 2010).

In addition, the establishment of an all-encompassing environmental plan that includes

green buying is an essential component of these environmentally conscious purchasing

practices (Islam, Wahid, and Karim (2017); Roos (2012). Recycling, reusing, conserving

resources, and substituting materials without producing less waste are some other green

procurement practices that SMEs throughout the world have started (Walker & Brammer,

2012; Islam et al., 2017), supplier engagement and involvement, amongst others. These

practices have been identified.

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The acquisition of the natural world and the impact on items and services, the term

"green procurement" refers to the selection of qualified contractors as well as the

development of environmental requirements within a contract. The principles and

practices of pollution avoidance serve as the foundation for green procurement.

According to the Manitoba Green Procurement Network (2008), green procurement is

also known as environmental purchasing. Green procurement is characterized by the

comparison of pricings, technologies, qualities of goods, services, or contracts and the

impacts these have on the environment. Most organizations have adopted to green

purchasing policies in spite of their sizes, and with green purchasing programs being as

straightforward, they can be less constrained, such as making purchases or recycled

office paper, or more restrained measures like requiring environmental standards of

manufacturers, suppliers, and contractors. In today's world, green purchasing policies

are applicable to all organizations. Integration of environmental performance concerns

into the procurement process is another way green procurement practice is explained,

which is also referred to as “green procurement”. When compared to other goods and

services that perform the same function, those that are referred to as "green" are those

that have an effect that is either less severe or less widespread on human health and the

natural environment (Manitoba Green Procurement Network, 2008).

This study's goal was to find out what factors affect how green procurement methods are

used by SMEs in Liberia. Liberia is a country that may be found on the western coast of

Africa, and the American Colonization Society was the organization that established the

nation in 1822 (Thompsell, 2018). On July 26, 1847, Liberia became the first country in

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Africa to declare its independence. Liberia's country-wide civil war began in 1989 and

continued until 2003, a total of 14 years (Thompsell, 2018). Since the end of the civil war,

there has been an uptick in the number of SMEs. The private sector of the Liberian

economy is driven mostly by the nation's many SMEs (Building Markets, 2016). Their

contributions to the economy, which are made through local merchants, make it possible

for everyday necessities to be delivered to urban as well as rural areas of the country. In

Liberia, the engine that drives the creation of new jobs and overall economic growth is

the nation's vast network of small enterprises (Building Markets, 2016). Small enterprises

are the dominant force in the Liberian economy because the vast majority of the

country's residents depend on income from small businesses as their primary source of

revenue (Building Markets, 2017).

In order for the sector of SMEs to experience expansion, there is a significant

requirement for the production and acquisition of environmentally friendly raw materials,

and these small businesses adequately need to strengthen themselves by coming up

with solid solutions that can be used when implementing green productions (ICPAK,

2013). In addition, there is a huge demand for the production and acquisition of

environmentally friendly raw materials by the SMEs. In spite of the fact that several

industries have already implemented a number of self-advanced techniques, there are

still external efforts that need to be made in order to make the practice of green

procurement more accessible (ICPAK, 2013).

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The use of environmentally responsible business practices in procurement is gaining

steam in Liberia, particularly among smaller businesses (Building Markets, 2017).

However, the implementations of green procurement practices by SMEs into their

businesses’ operations have been challenging, and many of them are still struggling with

its implementation (Building Markets, 2017). The majority of SMEs in Liberia, according

to Odhiambo (2008), have embraced the green procurement idea for certain products

that are less hazardous to the environment.

Environmentally responsible purchasing practices have been put into place through a

variety of methods as part of the notion of the product lifecycle. The cycle begins with the

designing of the product (Azadnia et al., 2015). According to Odhiambo (2008), there has

been an increase in the amount of pressure placed on SMEs to follow environmentally

friendly procurement procedures. Green procurement methods place an emphasis on the

fact that a firm should engage in purchasing that is socially and ethically responsible,

while also limiting its impact on the environment across the supply chain and providing

solutions that are economically viable (Odhiambo, 2008). Finding a happy medium

between people, earth, and profit is the goal of green procurement, which seeks to

minimize negative impacts on all three (Azadnia et al., 2015). The procurement function

can work toward achieving sustainability in several different ways. According to Azadnia

et al., (2015), some of these ways include trying to cut costs by reducing water and

energy consumption, encouraging the re-use of products and recycling materials, and

working to reduce the amount of packaging and transportation used throughout the

supply chain.

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Azadnia et al., (2015) asserted that green procurement practice is a key problem for

many nations, and as a result, governments have implemented policies to safeguard and

promote environmental sustainability. Concerning Liberia, a significant number of SMEs

are hesitant to incorporate and execute practices relating to green procurement into their

operational procedures (Building Markets, 2007). This has to a greater degree of impact

being executed on the environment (Azadnia et al., 2015). The small and medium-sized

businesses of Liberia form the backbone of the country’s economy. As a result, there is a

requirement to address the development of environmentally responsible purchasing

procedures among SMEs. The study's purpose was to examine the elements that affect

SMEs in Liberia from implementing green procurement practices.

1.2 Decision Problem

The researcher has found that SMEs in Liberia pay little attention to the implementation

of environmentally responsible buying procedures. SMEs play an important part in the

commercial environment, and the activities they engage in have a considerable influence

on the natural world. The researcher has also found that there is a dearth of scholarly

material about SMEs adoption of environmentally responsible purchasing policies in

Liberia. Some studies that were looked at were carried out from countries, and their

primary focus was on multinational corporations that have integrated environmentally

conscious purchasing policies into their corporate operations. Therefore, the purpose of

this research was to fill this vacuum by evaluating the factors that affect how green

procurement practices are used by SMEs in Liberia.

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1.3 Purpose

The study's primary goal was to evaluate factors influencing green procurement

practices implementation for SMEs in Liberia.

1.4 Research Questions

The core research question was:

What are the factors influencing green procurement practices implementation for SMEs

in Liberia?

1.4.1 Sub-questions

1. What are the outcomes of green procurement practices among the four selected

SMEs in Liberia?

2. What are the factors hindering the implementation of green procurement practices

among the four selected SMEs in Liberia?

3. What is the existing nature of green procurement practices among the four

selected SMEs in Liberia?

1.5 Research Objectives

The study was carried out in accordance with its precise objectives:

1. First to search relevant literature to examine the effects of green procurement

practices among SMEs in Liberia.

2. Second, to collect relevant data on factors hindering the implementation of green

procurement practices among SMEs in Liberia; and

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 3. Third, to provide recommendation to assist chosen SMEs in Liberia with

establishing green procurement practices.

1.6 Scope

The research scope was about assessing factors influencing green procurement

practices implementation for SMEs in Liberia. The study was conducted at four SMEs

which included E. T. E Geo-Services Enterprise, Inc., AAmar Recycling Company,

Liberty Investment and M. Sall Business Center.

1.7. Proposed Research Methodology

As a means to carry out the study, the researcher utilized an exploratory research design

since this epitome allows acquiring details regarding the contemporary status of a

phenomenon in relation to the variables in a circumstance. This gives subjects the

opportunity to provide additional facts about topics that are of curiosity to the researcher

(Mugenda, 2008). To be more specific, the researcher conducted a survey study on four

(4) different SMEs. These organizations were E.T. E Geo-Services Enterprise, Inc.,

AAmar Recycling Company, Liberty Investment, and M. Sall Business Center. The

researcher employed quantitative method.

The study collected data that offered a full elucidation of the eventualities and

interactions between people and things, and it was done in a timely manner. The

quantitative approach required the collection of data in a quantitative format, which was

8
then meticulously analyzed in a quantitative manner. In addition to being founded on

theories, the quantitative method also entailed the generation of data in quantitative form

(Kothari, 2008).

1.8 Proposed Significance of the Study

The study's conclusions assisted the management of the four (4) chosen SMEs in

understanding the variables that affect the adoption of green procurement practices.

These findings also served as a guide in formulating policies that might take into

consideration green procurement strategies. Also, the findings from this research are

being seen as a great help to future researchers and academic institutions who might

want to use this research for future references. The findings from this research have

been concluded to serve as a guide for policy makers in formulating policies on green

procurement practices that might have impact on the larger society.

1.9 Organization of the Study

Six (6) chapters made up the organization of the research. The context, decision

dilemma, purpose, research question, aims, scope, and every significant finding from the

study was explained in the first chapter. Review of associated literature pertinent to the

study's issue is covered in Chapter 2. The research methodology is presented in Chapter

3, which covers the research design, study population, sample size and sampling

method, data collection techniques, and data interpretation and analysis. The

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Results/Findings are presented in Chapter 4. The research is discussed in chapter five,

and the conclusions and suggestions are presented in chapter six.

1.10 Chapter Summary

This chapter explained the factors that have an impact on how SMEs in Liberia use

environmentally friendly purchasing practices. In addition, this chapter explained the

challenges that businesses in Liberia face in respect of imposing policy framework, the

cost of manufacturing environmentally friendly products, the extent of management to

inculcate the idea of environmentally friendly procurement, and ways in which recycling

waste could be an underlying solution in future. As a consequence of this, the chapter

also underlined the value of the study to entities that are involved in manufacturing,

academics, and organizations that are not directly involved.

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 CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW

2.0 Introduction

This chapter examines the literature evaluation with reference to the topic under

investigation. It looks at literature and theories which are applicable to the research topic

on factors influencing green procurement practices implementation for SMEs in Liberia.

The Resource Based View, Stakeholder Theory, and Green Productivity Theory are the

theories discussed.

2.1 Theoretical Framework

2.1.1 Resource Based View

The economic tool known as the Resource Based View is utilized to ascertain the

strategic resources that are accessible to a company. According to (Barney, 2001) the

fundamental assumption underlying this idea is that the foundation of a company's

competitive advantage lies in its human capital. He went on to say that in order for the

company to accomplish its competitive edge, it must make sufficient use of the resources

that are at its disposal and that are available to it. In addition, for an organization to be

able to change converting its temporary competitive edge into a competitive advantage

that is more sustainable over the long term, it is required that these resources be of a

diverse character and that they are not fully transportable (Barney, 2001).

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On the other hand, Barney (2001) argued that the resource-based perspective of the

company places an emphasis on the fact that you have an edge over rivals if you have

access to priceless, uncommon, challenging-to-replicate, and indispensable resources.

According to Hart (2005), resources can be divided into two categories: those that are

tangible and those that are intangible. Resources can include things like assets,

capabilities, organizational procedures, and information (Hart, 2005). By pointing out that

the environment might be a factor limiting sustainable competitive advantage, this

expands the resource-based perspective and implies that companies that handle the

environmental link more skillfully than your competitors, you could have a sustained

competitive advantage (Hart, 2005).

2.1.2 Stakeholders Theory

Freeman (2004) asserted that a group or an individual is a stakeholder if it can influence

or is influenced by the accomplishment of an organization's goals, where people who are

crucial to the organization's survival and success. Stakeholders are important to the

continued existence of a corporation. According to the stakeholder theory by Sarkis et al.

(2010), companies generate externalities that have an impact on a variety of parties

(stakeholders) that are significant to the company. Externalities frequently lead to

stakeholders exerting more pressure on corporations to lessen the negative effects they

have and raise the positive impacts they have, such as reducing the amount of pollution

in our environment (Sarkis et al., 2010). Customers, suppliers, distributors, local

communities, employees, shareholders, media, business partners, ancestors,

competitors, scholars, NGOs, activists, representatives of stakeholder groups such as

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government agencies, trade groups for distributors or suppliers, other financiers besides

investors, and regulators, politicos and the general public are all examples of groups that

are considered to be stakeholders (Friedman & Miles, 2006).

Adding to this is the central tenet of the stakeholder theory, which states that actions

made by companies that have an impact on the outcomes for stakeholders have an

obligation to be moral (Fontaine, Haarman, & Schmid, 2006). In circumstances like

these, in which the behavior of one agent has an impact on the behavior of another

agent, the organization is required to develop ethical rules (Fontaine et al. 2006). It is

common practice to deem unethical any corporate decision that is taken without any

regard for the consequences of that decision (Fontaine et al. 2006). The interests of a

firm's stakeholders must be coordinated through the organization as a whole, and it

should be governed with an eye on the anticipated benefits that those stakeholders will

get. (Sarkis et al., 2010), Stakeholders ought to have a voice in matters that significantly

impact their well-being, and managers are obligated to look out for the interests of those

stakeholders and act as their representatives when acting in the best interests of the

corporation to secure the company's continued existence (Evan & Freeman, 1990).

2.1.3 Green Productivity Theory

According to Holliday et al. (2002), correctly constructed businesses have the potential to

be effectually systematic to promote desirable behaviors. Holliday et al., (2002) further

asserted that business rivalry, strong intellectual property rights, trustworthiness of

13
contract conditions, unbiased and open accounting standards, government intervention

accountability, legislative and regulatory policy should strive for full cost price of goods

and services, freedom, and predictable government action. Additionally, the government

can either provide incentives to encourage enterprises to employ green technologies or

charge high-carbon fuels at high rates to discourage their usage as a means of boosting

green productivity through tax policy(Holliday et al., 2002).

According to Tuttle and Tebo (2007), there are six different aspects of the manufacturing

process that can be incorporated into an organization's efforts to practice

environmentally responsible management. Designs for green products and processes

fully satisfies client expectations while utilizing the fewest number of materials for input

and specifying materials that are kind to the environment (Tuttle & Tebo, 2007). The

authors further asserted that both the selection of raw materials that are less harmful to

the environment and the development of designs that use a less total amount of

materials are essential considerations that need to be considered (Tuttle & Tebo, 2007).

The practice of green procurement ensures that these supplies are transported with as

little environmental impact as possible from the suppliers' locations to the manufacturing

facility (for example, in terms of energy consumption and emissions) and generates the

least amount of waste (for example, in terms of product damage and disposable

packaging material) (Tuttle & Tebo, 2007).

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2.2 Government Regulations

According to Holt and Ghobadian (2003), the greatest predictors of green procurement

methods are government rules and environmental attitude. Holt and Ghobadian (2003)

asserted that academics agreed on the role government plays in fixing environmental

problems, specifically by enforcing stringent standards that need to be followed by

businesses and encouraging GP practices to do the same, is becoming more and more

significant. The control of the environment leads to improvements in environmentally

sound operations and green methods (Williamson et al. 2006). Moreover, this is

comparable to the findings of the research conducted by Palmer (2000), in which it was

found that government restrictions were considered as the main motivating factor for

enterprises to implement GP, to boost toward environmental betterment.

Previous research found government regulation as a barrier to the implementation of

sustainable procurement practices in SMEs, in addition to its role as a driver in the

adoption of such practices (Walker & Philips, 2009). In this regard, Baden et al. (2009)

discovered that companies disliked having to follow tight standards and many of the

companies who took part in their study felt that regulation and law hindered them from

adopting environmental and social responsibility. This was one of the main findings of

their research. According to Porter and Van der Linde (1995), environmental legislation

and regulation may stifle innovative activity. An example of rules in the United States is

given, in which a corporation is subject to fines because it was able to reduce its

emissions by 95% of the target amount but fell short by 5%; as a result, the company is

15
in violation of the regulations (Baden et al., 2009). It is believed that the current system

discourages taking risks and engaging in experimental behavior (Baden et al., 2009).

ElTayeb et al. (2009) asserted that commercial organizations must adopt and put into

practice GP procedures in order to adhere to environmental standards imposed by

regulatory organizations, the majority of which are government entities in the country).

According to the findings carried out by Holt and Ghobadian (2009), the impact of the

environment-related laws that is now in place in the United Kingdom has the largest

influence on the decision of companies to begin GP programs. According to the findings

of a number of studies, the majority of the pressure on manufacturing companies comes

from regulations, and there is a tremendous correlation between these demands and

green purchasing policies (Zhu & Geng, 2001; Preuss, 2001; Logamuthu & Zailani, 2010;

Ghobadian et al., 2001). It is anticipated that the legislation will motivate corporate

entities to follow environmental best practices and implement the GP programs. In the

event that rules are appropriately policed, there will be a greater possibility that small and

medium-sized businesses in Liberia may adopt GP. As a result, the below hypothesis is

being tested in this study:

H01: Government rules have a favorable and considerable impact on SMEs' adoption of

green procurement in Liberia.

16
2.3 Consumer Pressure

According to Hsu and Hu (2008) assertion, consumers have increased the amount of

pressure they exert on their suppliers to improve their environmental performance, which

has led to an increased level of motivation on the part of suppliers to work together with

consumers to achieve environmental goals. Consumers are key financial stakeholders

that have the power to exert enormous pressure on suppliers and demand goals from

them in order to achieve sustainability or environmental performance through the

implementation of green procurement techniques (Doonan et al. 2005; Lin, 2007). The

providers place the utmost importance and weight on their relationships with their

customers as stakeholders. Therefore, changes in a customer's procurement rules and

practices, which manifest as environmental requests, directly affect the actions of that

customer's suppliers by motivating them to focus on environmental issues (Lee, 2008).

The author further asserted that this could have a substantial effect on the customer's

company's environmental performance (Lee, 2008).

According to Hall (2000), consumers are responsible for reflecting market forces onto

their suppliers, which in turn helps to improve green procurement practices. It is

generally agreed that the main factor influencing whether or not a company might use

green procurement techniques is the pressure from customers (Buysse & Verbeke,

2003). ElTayeb et al. (2009) made an assertion that the consumers are the most

significant stakeholders in the success of the implementation of green procurement

because in the first instance, they were the ones who needed special care or products.

17
Therefore, in order to keep their customers happy and ensure their continued business,

SMEs need to make some adjustments and begin engaging in green procurement

procedures (ElTayeb et al. 2009)). As a result, the below hypothesis is being tested in

this study:

H02: Consumers pressures have an important and good impact on green procurement

implementation for SMEs in Liberia.

2.4 Top Management Support

The successful implementation of green procurement practices depends on senior

management's support (Lin & Ho, 2011). According to Holt and Ghobadian (2009),

senior managers and the chief executive officers (CEOs) make up top management of

the companies. Holt and Ghobadian (2009) asserted that it is necessary for many

departments and divisions to work together and coordinate their efforts in order to

successfully implement green purchasing practices. Employees participations are

encouraged in the implementation of green procurement practices, which is supported

and motivated by top management. For instance, senior management could offer staff

training, incentives, or awards in order to encourage them to engage in green

procurement methods. This is so because the single most important factor in ensuring

that SMEs successfully implement green procurement is their workforce.

18
According to Handfield et al. (2005), in order to improve the use of sustainable

purchasing methods, senior management of SMEs need to acknowledge the significance

of environmental concerns that arise over the course of the supply chain. According to

Hsu and Hu (2008), senior managers' commitment is especially helpful for implementing

green buying methods. This is because most programs are doomed to fail without the

support and commitment of top management (Handfield et al. (2005). Every one of the

green procurement practices is integrative and calls for cooperation between

departments and functions from across an organization, rather than focusing on a

specific function or section of the business (Hsu & Hu, 2008).

Griffin et al. (2004) made the claim that support, guidance, and leadership from senior

and top management are crucial factors in an organization's shift to green purchasing

practices. The dedication and cooperation of top management is essential for the

successful implementation of environmentally responsible purchasing practices (Rice,

2003). The backing of senior management may have an impact on the adoption of green

procurement methods because of how positively and significantly it affects environmental

collaboration with suppliers (Yen & Yen, 2012). As a result, the below hypothesis is being

tested in this study:

H03: The adoption of green procurement by SMEs in Liberia is positively and significantly

influenced by top management support.

2.5 Supplier Relationship

19
According to Bowen et al., (2001), businesses should work together with their suppliers

to develop environmentally friendly products that do not include any harmful or

poisonous substances. This is due to the fact that the risks of interruption caused by

concerns related to the environment might be passed on through suppliers. According to

the findings of the study conducted by Hsu and Hu (2010), implementing green

procurement and specifying environmental requirements for commodities to be

purchased can guarantee the high environmental quality of products.

Handfield et al. (2005) made an assertion that businesses are becoming increasingly

aware of the need to work with their suppliers to incorporate environmental concerns into

the selection and assessment of suppliers while utilizing green procurement procedures.

This attention comes at the same time as there is a growing attention for businesses to

implement green procurement practices. This is due to the fact that a company's

suppliers are directly responsible for their environmental performance and long-term

viability (Koplin et al. 2007). According to Zsidisin and Siferd (2001), the purpose of this

strategy is to guarantee that the procedures used by suppliers do not conflict with the

environmental posture of the company in order to manufacture goods that do not include

dangerous or harmful chemicals. As a result, the below hypothesis is being tested in this

study:

H04: For SMEs in Liberia, the implementation of green buying is positively and

significantly influenced by supplier relationships.

2.6 Green Procurement Practices

20
Lemment (2012) findings revealed that, there were varieties of environmental

repercussions at various phases of the lifecycle of a product. As a result of the French

Ministry of Education's decision to purchase remanufactured cartridge toners, there has

been a reduction in the amount of waste produced during the manufacturing stage

(Lemmet, 2012). Both the construction in the Yorkshire and Humber Region of the United

Kingdom, and the building in Oregon, in the United States, indicate considerable impacts

linked to the reduction of water use, waste output, and CO2 emissions respectively

(Lemmet, 2012).

Vincent and Abbie (2011) proposed that in order to follow sustainable procurement

practices, procurement activities must be pursued in a manner that first complies with all

applicable laws and regulations, including environmental, social, health, and safety

standards, and then goes above and beyond those requirements. They argued that this

is the only way to ensure that sustainable procurement practices are implemented

(Vincent & Abbie, 2011). The second goal is to increase the economic and social

advantages of the procurement process while minimizing any detrimental effects on the

environment. This will be accomplished by incorporating appropriate sustainability criteria

(Vincent & Abbie, 2011). Thirdly, develop skills and knowledge in sustainable

procurement among all stakeholders. Additionally, promote sustainability in the market

by educating both current and prospective suppliers on optimal sustainability practices

throughout the supply chain, while strengthening the foundations based on policy and

strategy comprehension (Vincent & Abbie, 2011).

21
Making certain that sustainability is the criterion at each phase of the procurement

process by incorporating environmental, social, and economic aspects in the process of

acquiring products and services (Vincent & Abbie, 2011). In addition, evaluate the

development of environmentally responsible purchasing practices with an eye toward

making progress for the better, collaborate with other organizations, and do research on

the most effective methods (Vincent & Abbie, 2011). Consumers' awareness of

environmental threats, such as warming caused by climate change, informs their

deliberations about the environmental effects of their purchasing decisions (Vincent &

Abbie, 2011).

According to Kotler (2004), conventional businesses were evaluated by their customers

based on the quality of the items they offered, their responsiveness in providing answers

to their customers' problems, and the degree to which they were fair. However, in today's

world, businesses are evaluated and scored according to the environmental ethics they

display (Kotler, 2004).

Chien and Shih, (2007) asserted that a green procurement is a type of environmental

procurement that involves using strategies like material reduction, reuse, and recycling

during the procurement process. On the other hand, Ninlawan et al. (2010) asserted that

green procurement is also known as environmentally responsible procurement.

According to Min and Galle (2001), green procurement is an ecofriendly responsible

purchasing method that reduces waste sources, promotes recycling, and makes use of

commodities without impairing their ability to perform as required. This definition can be

found in their article Green Procurement: An Environmentally Conscious Procurement

22
Practice (Min & Galle, (2001). Also, Salam (2008) mentioned that the idea of "green

procurement" refers to the process of purchasing a variety of products and services that

could potentially have the least detrimental influence on the environment.

On the basis of these few definitions, green procurement practices can be summed up

as an organization's preference to acquire goods from environmentally concerned

providers, as well as the organization's efforts to ensure that the products it purchases

have environmentally friendly characteristics (Salam, 2008). When it comes to making

purchasing decisions, green procurement practices can be summed up as the

incorporation of price and performance metrics alongside environmental considerations.

The overarching objective of these practices is to lessen the negative effects that

sourcing has on the environment while simultaneously improving resource utilization

(Salam, 2008).

Redesigning business processes all through the supply chain is something a firm needs

to do if it wants to embrace green purchasing policies and procedures (ElTayeb et al,

2009). This indicates that a strategy that is less harmful to the natural environment ought

to be used in order to remedy the inefficiencies that might develop in its supply chain

(ElTayeb et al, 2009). In Liberia, the idea of green buying practice is still relatively new,

and many SMEs are still lagging behind in terms of adopting and implementing the

concept.

2.7 Empirical Review

23
Mensah and Ameyaw (2005) conducted study on the challenges posed by

environmentally conscious purchasing in Ghana's construction sector. According to the

authors' observations, only a small number of personnel in the procurement department

were familiar with the idea of sustainable procurement, which is a word that refers to the

sustainability of the environment, the economy, and society (Mensah & Ameyaw, 2005).

They discovered that the primary issues with environmentally responsible procurement

had not been unified into a policy that could be implemented within the Ghanaian

construction industry (Mensah & Ameyaw, 2005). It was determined that the main

difficulties that Ghana's procurement landscape faces with regard to green procurement

are a lack of knowledge of the concept of green procurement and the greater upfront

expenditures associated with green purchasing (Mensah & Ameyaw, 2005). This was

named as one of the main obstacles facing green procurement practices around the

world. It was suggested that government oversight entities, non-governmental

organizations, and educational institutions all have important roles to play in the process

of periodically teaching and intensifying awareness among all stakeholders on concerns

regarding green procurement (Mensah & Ameyaw, 2005). Therefore, with the help of

investments from the government, the appropriate tools and methods that are necessary

must be established in order to promote the efficient practice of green procurement

(Mensah & Ameyaw, 2005).

Research conducted by Brammer, and Walker (2011) focused on UK public sector

sustainable procurement practices. The researcher looked into sustainable procurement

and found that there are a number of obstacles standing in the way, considering

24
budgetary limitations, the perception that environmentally friendly products cost more, a

lack of top management backing, and an absence of environmentally friendly products

themselves (Brammer & Walker, 2011).

In their study, Brammer and Walker (2011) came to the same conclusion as Mensah

and Ameyaw (2005), namely that one of the impediments is the high cost associated with

sustainable products. The regional differences in businesses' sustainable purchasing

methods and finding that governmental backing for sustainable procurement are factors

that promote sustainable procurement that are most commonly discussed, leads one to

believe that the national and international policy landscapes for sustainable procurement

are major factors in determining the level of sustainable procurement that organizations

engage in, according to Brammer and Walker (2011). The authors went on to say that a

key determinant in evaluating how much an organization engaged in sustainable

procurement was the cross-country heterogeneity in such activities (Brammer & Walker,

2011).

Brammer and Walker (2011) made a recommendation that government should clearly

encourage green procurement through legislation and regulations. They also advocated

for the government to give businesses the fiscal flexibility they need to participate in

green procurement, which may only be financially advantageous over the long run

(Brammer and Walker, 2011).

Boomsma (2009) did a study on environmentally responsible purchasing practices in

developing nations. The countries of Mali, Sierra Leone and South Africa were the focus

of this research. Several factors were mentioned by the author in the study's findings as

25
obstacles to sustainable procurement (Boomsma, 2009). These factors include the lack

of managerial and technical expertise, financing for start-up investments, early small

producer involvement, openness, and equitable power allocation. Boomsma (2009)

came to the conclusion that in order for sustainable sourcing to be successfully adopted,

it requires a multi-stakeholder process, in addition to the major participants in the

government, support organizations, the value chain, and stakeholder researchers. The

author continued by highlighting how crucial it is to foster synergy among these various

stakeholders in order to successfully manage competing interests and guarantee that

everyone involved comes out ahead (Boomsma, 2009). Boomsma (2009) advised that

the three elements of sustainability be considered in order to maximize the value added

to a chain when designing an organization's structure and supply chain. The three pillars

of sustainability are social responsibility, excellent quality, and efficiency. The public

sector, support organizations, and funders should be actively involved in providing

responsible backing for this process. In supply chains that are not very well linked, you

could require a facilitator to help you coordinate and manage the steps leading up to a

fair chain partnership (Boomsma, 2009).

Dolva (2008) conducted research in Norway to evaluate green public procurement and

analyze the perceived motivators for and barriers to implementing more environmentally

friendly public procurement. According to the findings, sixty percent of the tender

documents contained some form of environmental criterion, although thirty percent of

them were questionable (Dolva, 2008). This found that a lack of understanding was one

of the five key barriers preventing green public procurement (Dolva, 2008).

26
The approach drew from Miles and Covin's (2010) definition of the political theory of the

firm to clarify any incorrect or a lack of participation in green procurement operations.

Additionally, the framework suggested that possible solutions include making an attempt

to correct any inconsistency in corporate subcultures or the procurement manager's

inability to react because of a lack of resources (Barney, 2001). The primary contribution

that this study adds to the body of current literature is an investigation into the inner

workings of organizations, specifically how the influences of organizational culture have

an effect on the adoption of green procurement (Polonsky, 2009).

Dickinson et al., (2010) asserted that, academics have made significant contributions to

our comprehension of the Society for the Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP)

Nevertheless, these contributions continue to be haphazard and have a flimsy theoretical

foundation (Seuring & Muller, 2008). In addition, academics have analyzed the adoption

of SERP as a source of disagreement between the supplier and the buyer (Preuss,

2013). Nevertheless, studies at this analytical level made the assumption, even if it is

only implicitly, that organizations, despite their size and the fact that they have various

locations, behave as cohesive units (Preuss, 2013). As a result, they failed to account for

the contention and discord that exist at lower levels of analysis, and which have the

potential to have an impact on the execution of SERP issues at the organizational level

of analysis before it shows up in the dynamic of buyers and suppliers (Emilsson & Hjelm,

2009). Unlike the inconsistent organizational culture research that has been conducted,

27
despite a few minor discrepancies, the Resource Based View (RBV) is consistent

(Rimmington et al., 2010).

However, the original claim made by Bolton (2010) that mainstream definitions do not

significantly alter the fact that resources are "all assets, capabilities, organizational

processes, firm attributes, information, knowledge, etc. controlled by a firm that enable

the firm to think of and implement strategies that improve the firm's efficiency and

effectiveness". This definition has been incorporated into this particular research (Min &

Galle, 2011). The institutionalization of responsible behavior is significantly helped along

by the backing of businesses (Maignan et al., 2012). According to Maignan and McAlister

(2012), top management has made noticeable efforts toward the establishment of

environmentally responsible purchasing practices within the firm.

2.8 Implementation of Green Procurement

Green purchasing is fueled by practices and beliefs that reduce pollution. Green

procurement, also referred to as environmentally friendly or green purchasing, examines

price, technology, quality, and environmental impact of a good or service. No matter their

size, all businesses must adhere to green purchasing policies (Miles, 2010). Purchasing

recycled office paper or renewable energy could be the first step in green procurement

plans or they may be more intricate like establishing environmental standards for

contractors and suppliers. Green products and services have a lower environmental

effect overall, require less resources, and are constructed to last longer. Furthermore,

green products and services might have higher safety standards and have a less

28
detrimental effect on people's health. Although certain green goods or services may be

more expensive initially, they ultimately result in cost savings (Miles, 2010).

As stated by Lozano (2013), in order to begin the process of implementing a green

procurement program, the existing purchasing practices and rules must first be reviewed

and evaluated. It is necessary to determine how products and services affect the

environment across their entire existence, and it is also necessary to construct a set of

environmental criteria that can be used to inform decisions regarding purchases and

contracts Lozano, 2013). The final product is a policy on environmentally responsible

purchasing that is regularly updated and included into the numerous other strategies,

activities, and policies of the organization. One aspect of a green purchasing policy is the

creation of objectives and priorities with dates, the distribution of duties, and the creation

of a marketing and communication plan (Lozano, 2013).

Green procurement policies and initiatives can influence production, markets, prices, the

availability of services, and organizational behavior in addition to lowering costs and

reducing waste (Jae Mather, 2010). They can also help nations comply with multilateral

standards like the Rotterdam Convention and the Kyoto Protocol. The International

Standards Organization and other organizations have produced guidelines for green

purchasing initiatives. Lack of inexpensive or nonexistent ecologically acceptable

alternatives, flawed studies, a lack of organizational support, and a lack of widely

accessible environmentally friendly items are all factors that are barriers to executing a

green buying program, and environmental statements made by suppliers and

manufacturers may be false or unsubstantiated. Organizations are frequently required to

29
establish a green procurement program by laws, regulations, guidelines, corporate

policies, environmental management systems, or multilateral agreements (Jae Mather,

2010).

2.9 Identified Gap in the Literature

According to Robinson and Strandberg (2008), majority of manufacturing enterprises in

developing nations have a knowledge gap when it comes to the concept of

environmental impacts being transmitted via the supply chain. Even in developing

countries, where the notion was first introduced, there are very few documented success

examples, and environmental issues continue to be the main priority (Katua, 2012).

The implementation of capacity building and worker empowerment programs, as well as

the fact that suppliers lack a sufficient understanding of green procurement, were found

to be necessary in a Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC) (2010) study that has 200

employees as well as 200 representatives of enterprises and groups from China, Kenya,

Honduras, India, the United States of America, and Europe.

As asserted by Robinson and Strandberg (2008), there is a need for more research on

specific factors in each country, which is one factor that supports the decision to study

SMEs in Liberia. The vast majority of research examining the elements of adopting green

buying procedures included both developed and developing nations (Robinson &

Strandberg, 2008). This leaves a gap for research of specific factors in each country. It is

of significant concern to SMEs around the world, as well as those operating in Liberia, to

30
address the issue of rising carbon emissions and global warming, as well as to adopt

green or environmentally friendly company practices (Robinson & Strandberg, 2008).

2.10 Conceptual Framework

Creating a conceptual framework is one of the main objectives while conducting research

since it helps to show how the factors that are dependent and independent of the study

relate to one another (Chien & Shih, 2007). The application of green procurement

techniques was the dependent variable, and the independent variables included

government regulation, customer pressure, top management support, and supplier

relationships.

Government Regulation

Consumer Pressure Implementation of Green

Procurement Practices

Top Management Support Dependent Variable

Supplier Relationship
Independent Variables

Figure 2.1 Conceptual Framework

2.11 Chapter Summary

31
This chapter provided an overview of the pertinent earlier research that was appropriate

to the current investigation. In addition, this chapter was broken down into sections such

as theoretical framework, resource-based view, stakeholder theory, green productivity

theory, consumer pressure, top management support, supplier relationship, green

procurement practices, empirical review, implementation of green procurement, identified

gap in the literature and conceptual framework.

32
 Chapter 3: Research Methodology

3.0 Introduction

The approach taken in the investigation for this study is presented in this chapter. The

research design, the target audience, the sample size, sampling strategy, data gathering,

and analysis equipment, the data analysis, and the ethical considerations are all

included.

3.1 Research Philosophy

When conducting research in the realm of management, one must select between

several philosophical assumptions and distinct methodological approaches. In the

beginning, we talked about a few different epistemological and ontological facets. The

body of knowledge that is considered valid in a particular field of study is the subject of

epistemology (Saunders et al., 2015).

One of the significant facets of epistemology to consider in regard to the social sciences

is the question of whether or not the methodology of the natural sciences should be

utilized in the process of producing new forms of knowing (Johnson & Duberley, 2000).

33
Positivism, which holds that a researcher would employ an existing theory in order to

develop hypotheses, is the main epistemological principle of the natural sciences. These

assumptions form the basis for the experiments that are carried out. The findings may

result in the partial or total support of the hypothesis, or its total denial (Johnson &

Duberley, 2000). The conduct of research should be value-free, meaning that the

researcher's emotions should not be involved in any way, according to the positivist

epistemology, which is another essential component.

In fact, positivism's central principle is that the social world should be evaluated

objectively rather than subjectively "through sense, thought, or intuition" because it is an

external idea (Easterby-Smith et al., 2002). However, despite the use of different

epistemological suppositions in management research, positivism has predominated and

will continue to predominate (Johnson et al., 2006).

Realism and interpretivism are two more significant epistemological stances in the field

of management research, according to Saunders et al. (2015). The concept of’ sensation

is at the center of realism, which stands in contrast to the positivist philosophy. There is a

notion that physical objects exist apart from human awareness, and it is generally

accepted that the truth may be deduced from what can be perceived by one's five

senses (Saunders et al., 2015). Both direct realism and critical realism are distinct types

of realism that can be distinguished from one another. The ways in which each of them

experiences the world is what sets them apart from one another (Saunders et al., 2015).

Direct realists believe that the mere existence of the thing and the sensations it conveys

34
is adequate. But for critical realists, this is just the beginning of how they experience the

world. The second stage is the manner in which the mind stores the experience for a

period of time after the sensation has been felt (Saunders et al., 2015).

The concept of interpretivism assumes that disparities in the roles that humans play as

social agents ought to be taken into consideration. As a direct result of this, it is not

appropriate to investigate people in the same manner as inanimate objects (Bryman,

2016). The terms phenomenology and symbolic interactionism are two examples of

philosophical traditions that are the roots of interpretivism. The first component focuses

on how people understand their surroundings, whereas the second aspect highlights how

meanings and behaviors are constantly changed as a result of how people interpret their

relationships with others (Saunders et al., 2015). While attempting to penetrate the social

world of the research subjects and focus on understanding their environment from the

perspective of the research subjects themselves, the interpretivist researcher encounters

a challenge.

The study of ontology focuses on the nature of reality (Bryman, 2016). It is possible to

assert that the discussion of ontological assumptions is the source of a significant portion

of the philosophical debate (Easterby-Smith et al., 2002). Ontological investigation can

be approached in two different ways: subjectivism and objectivism. While objectivism

asserts subjectivism against the idea that social entities exist outside of social actors in

reality and instead claims that social phenomena are formed by perceptions and

subsequent acts of social actors (Saunders et al., 2015).

35
This research has been conducted with an interpretative methodology from an

epistemological standpoint. This approach was based on the idea that by looking at how

people see the world, it may be best comprehended, and thus this research has been

done with this belief in mind. The concept that reality is something that is socially

produced serves as the foundation for the ontological assumptions that this research is

built on.

The experiences of each person contributed to the formation of their own set of realities,

rather than there being a one overarching reality (Saunders et al., 2015). Therefore, any

new knowledge that is obtained as a result of this research has to be interpreted as an

observation, and that interpretation must take into account the perspectives of a number

of different interpretive communities.

The research adhered to the positivist philosophical school, which maintains that one can

only rely on "factual" information acquired by observation and experimentation, including

measurement (Taylor & Medina, 2011). In order to further their argument, Taylor and

Medina (2011) stated that in positivism, the researcher's duties are strictly limited to data

gathering and objective data interpretation, and that the research's findings are

frequently observable and quantifiable. In addition, human interests were not taken into

account during the research process, and the researcher has no affiliation with the study

in any way. The positivist worldview is predicated on the collection of quantifiable data

that can then be analysed statistically. Also worth mentioning is that positivism shares

36
the empiricist viewpoint's conviction that knowledge derives from human experience.

This empiricist view is characterized by an atomistic and ontological perspective on the

world (Collins, 2010).

According to Collins (2010), positivism is characterized by the presence of distinct,

elements and events that may be observed interacting in a specified and predictable

way. In light of the study's objectives, the researchers chose to adhere to the positivist

philosophical school. This was done for the simple reason that positivism is predicated

on the idea that anything that exists can be demonstrated via the use of experiments and

observations.

3.2 Research Approach

3.2.1 Qualitative vs Quantitative

Regarding qualitative and quantitative studies, the main difference is that the former

typically employs the use of words rather than numbers to explain findings and theories,

whereas the latter typically relies on numerical data. Because quantitative research

methods are more prevalent, this is the situation (Bryman & Bell, 2011). Abusabha

(2003) asserted that qualitative research is a methodology that adopts a subjective point

of view because the data collection process is carried out from the respondent's point of

view during qualitative research. This means that the data collection takes place in close

proximity to the respondent's natural environment and is typically carried out through

37
interviews (Ghauri & Grnhaug, 2005). When utilizing a quantitative method, acquiring

information typically involves the completion of questionnaires, through which the

researchers amass vast volumes of numerical data, it is later examined utilizing methods

common to quantitative research (Bryman and Bell, 2011). In qualitative research, the

main focus of the inquiry is the interpretation of the respondent's experience, feelings,

and opinions about the issue (Bryman & Bell, 2011).

This notion is supported by the claim made by Ghauri and Grnhaug (2005) that a

qualitative approach emphasizes comprehension because the objective is to learn more

about the subject matter of the research rather than to verify and test earlier research

findings as is done in quantitative research. The major goal of quantitative research is to

validate and test the results of earlier studies. Since SMEs in Liberia are the focus of the

study's evaluation of the factors influencing the adoption of green procurement methods,

quantitative research methodology was used to carry out this research.

3.3 Research Design

The utilization of a quantitative research strategy allowed for choosing a descriptive

research strategy. Descriptive research is a particular kind of investigation that aims to

generate an accurate depiction of the people, events, and circumstances that are the

subject of the investigation (Best and Khan, 2016). Utilizing a descriptive research design

had the goal of gathering true and precise data in order to define existing occurrences.

38
Descriptive survey does have some drawbacks, including the length of time required in

order to guarantee that the sample is a fair representation of the total population and that

it is difficult to carry out because it demands more effort and dedication (Saunders,

Lewis, Thornhill & Bristow, 2015). In addition, there is a limitation on how many questions

can be asked of respondents in a single survey (Best & Khan, 2016). Employing this

research design gave an in-depth understanding of the subject, it was determined that

the descriptive research design was appropriate for the investigation (Neuman, 2014).

This particular research strategy was chosen for the study because of its relevance to

the research aims that were been investigated and because the goal of the study was to

establish the existence or absence of a specific relationship between a number of

factors. The researcher used the research's guiding principles, methodology, and design

(dependent and independent).

Quantitative approach of research was utilized throughout the course of the study. The

researcher employed a method of inquiry known as descriptive research. Descriptive

research design, according to Hoffman (2005), is a strategy for acquiring data from a

sample of people by either conducting interviews with them or giving them

questionnaires. Research designs that are used to accurately describe the features of

the population that is the subject of the study are called descriptive research designs.

Descriptive categories are used in descriptive research, which is concerned with the

"what" question (Kothari, 2008). Kothari (2008) asserts that descriptive research studies

seek to gather accurate and germane information on the characteristics of a problem or

phenomena, and, wherever practical, to make solid generalizations from the study's

39
results. The descriptive study methodology was selected because it allows for the

collection of data and information without requiring any manipulation of the surrounding

environment, which was a primary consideration in making the decision (Kothari, 2008).

3.4 Target Population

All the objects or individuals taken into account in a study are the target population,

according to Orodho (2009). The study focused on 200 employees from four (4) selected

SMEs in Liberia which included: E.T. E Geo-Services Enterprise, Inc., AAmar Recycling

Company, Liberty Investment and M. Sall Business Center.

3.4.1 Target Population

Category Target Population Sample Size Percentage

E.T.E Geo-Services 50 15 25%

Enterprise, Inc

AAmar Recycling Company 50 15 25%

Liberty Investment 50 15 25%

M. Sall Business Center 50 15 25%

Total 200 60 100

Source: Researcher own data, 2022

40
3.5 Sampling and Sampling Technique

According to Orodho (2009), sample selection is the act of picking a portion of the

examples in order to draw judgments regarding the entire collection. The importance of

sampling is that it makes it possible to learn quickly and affordably about a large group

by concentrating on only a few of its members. The stratified random sampling technique

was used because it ensures that there is an equal chance that each sample will be

represented. The four (4) selected SMEs in Liberia had a total of 200 employees. 30

percent of the target population, or 60 respondents, were selected as a sample from this

group. For each study being sampled, a sample size between 30% and 50% is ideal,

according to Mugenda and Mugenda (2008). 15 respondents were sampled from each of

the 4 selected SMEs survey bringing the total of 60 respondents.

3.5.1 Sampling Frame

A sampling frame, according to Kothari (2008), is a representation of the target

population in visual form that contains each potential component of a sample. All

employees of the four (4) chosen SMEs in Liberia served as the sampling frame for this

study.

3.6 Research Instruments

41
In terms of the quantitative data, the most important instrument that was used was the

questionnaire. A questionnaire is a set of inquiries or assertions that are used to evaluate

information such as attitudes, opinions, and beliefs as well as biographical details

(Mugenda and Mugenda, 2008). In order to save money and time, the researchers

decided to conduct their investigation using questionnaires. The researcher used closed

ended question in the form of likert scale.

3.7 Pilot Study

In order to determine a sizable sample size for analysis, a pilot study, according to

Kothari (2008), entails doing exploratory research to assess a project's cost-

effectiveness, occurrences, reliability, and validity. In order to participate in the pilot

study, the study randomly chose eight respondents. The researcher used the feedbacks

provided by the respondents to remove any evidence of ambiguous or biased questions

that the researcher may have introduced. Prior to the end of the final circulation, the

questionnaires were then checked for accuracy.

3.8 Data Collection Procedure

According to Saunders et al. (2015), the majority of research questions may be

answered by using a combination of primary data and secondary data, which in turn

provides a more trustworthy conclusion. Information from both primary and secondary

42
sources was employed in this investigation. The respondents self-administered a

questionnaire, which was used to gather the initial information. The researcher took the

time to personally hand out the questionnaires to each respondent, and they were given

a period of time equaled two weeks to fill out the surveys. The respondents were given

the questionnaires to fill out and return. The secondary data came from previously

conducted scientific research that was assessed by peers and published in journals,

among other sources. The three websites used in the process of gathering these papers

were Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Researchgate.

3.9 Methods of Data Processing and Statistical Analysis

Each questionnaire was checked and confirmed for accuracy once the data collection

was finished and right before the analysis. Work was done in the areas of editing, coding,

and tabulation. Quantitative data was gleaned from responses to questions with

predetermined answers, and the analysis was conducted utilizing SPSS version 26

(Statistical Packages for the Social Sciences).

3.10 Validity

Sekaran (2003) defined validity as the extent to which the research's conclusions

accurately reflect the actual event that served as the study's focus. The study objectives

were considered during the development of the questionnaires, and the importance of

establishing a connection between the independent factors and the research variable

was underlined. In addition, the questionnaires were given out to a total of eight

respondents who were randomly selected. Prior to carrying out a field study, it was

43
necessary to validate the questionnaires in order to first determine their overall structure

as well as the appropriateness of the questions they contained, and then to make any

necessary adjustments.

3.11 Reliability Test

According to Cresswell (2014), dependability is characterized as the extent to which the

research tool remains unchanged after being subjected to multiple tests without affecting

the results of the study. In addition to this, reliability demonstrates the extent to which

identical results can be shown after applying the same queries to other phenomena. In

order to accomplish this goal, data collected in the field were checked for consistency

with the intention of lowering the number of study coding errors.

3.12 Ethics and Ethical Issues

According to Patten and Newhart (2017), voluntary participation, the right to privacy, the

option to remain anonymous, and information confidentiality are the fundamental moral

questions that must be answered in each research project. As a result, all of the efforts

that were made were focused on ensuring that all of these ethical concerns are

addressed. For example, in the case of voluntary participation, each respondent was

44
given the opportunity to participate in the data gathering activity at their own volition.

Also, potential privacy rights issues with responders were addressed by letting them fill

out the questionnaires on their own and advising them to leave any questions about

which they were unclear unanswered so that they could receive further explanations

through a medium that was most convenient for them.

A limitation that refused to let respondents put their names and phone numbers on the

survey was put in place to allay worries about respondents' capacity to protect their

privacy. As a result, participants were given the assurance that none of their identities

would have been revealed or used in any way during the research process. By

guaranteeing participants that any and all information given would be kept confidential,

the confidentiality of the data was preserved throughout the course of the study.

3.13 Chapter Summary

The research techniques used to accomplish the study's goal were covered in the

chapter. The research design, demographic, sampling size and technique, data

collection device, among other study components, were all specifically covered in this

chapter. Because of the study's goal and chosen methodology, a descriptive research

design was chosen.

45
 Chapter 4: Research Findings

4.1 Introduction

In relation to the study's research variables, this chapter presents the data acquired from

the questionnaires distributed to the four (4) selected SMEs. The study's use of

background data on the respondents was essential. The background data sought

included the respondents' gender, age, degree of education, and employment history.

4.2 Questionnaire Types and Design

In this chapter questionnaires were prepared and distributed to the four (4) selected

SMEs. Closed ended questions were designed and sent to the respondents. The drop

and pick method were used in collecting information from the respondents. All the four

46
SMEs approached to take part in the research survey were responsive and fill out the

questionnaire adequately. The questionnaire was broken into two parts: personal

demographic questions and questions related to the variables that were under studied.

4.3 Response Rate

To the four SMEs that were chosen, a total of sixty (60) questionnaires were issued.

Fifteen (15) questionnaires were sent to each of the four selected SMEs. A response rate

of 80% was achieved by accurately completing and returning forty-eight (48) of the total

60 surveys which was deemed enough for analysis. A 20% response rate, or the

percentage of unreturned surveys, was represented by the 12 questionnaires that were

not returned. The response rate was high enough to allow generalization of the study's

findings.

Table 1: Gender of Respondent

Valid Cumulative
Frequency Percent Percent Percent
Valid Male 33 68.8 68.8 68.8
Female 15 31.3 31.3 100.0
Total 48 100.0 100.0
Source: Researcher Survey Questionnaire, 2022

Table 1 showed that 33 respondents representing 68.8% were males and 15

respondents representing 31.3% were females.

47
Table 2: Educational Background

Valid Cumulative
Frequency Percent Percent Percent
Valid High School 10 20.8 20.8 20.8
Diploma
Undergraduate 26 54.2 54.2 75.0
Post 7 14.6 14.6 89.6
Graduate Diploma
Master 2 4.2 4.2 93.8
Others 3 6.3 6.3 100.0
Total 48 100.0 100.0
Source: Researcher Survey Questionnaire, 2022

The table above displayed 10 respondents representing 20.8% had obtained high school

diploma, 26 respondents representing 54.2% obtained undergraduate degree, 7

respondents representing 14.6% obtained post graduate diploma, 2 respondents

representing 4.2% obtained master’s degree and 3 respondents representing 6.3%

indicated others.

Table 3: Work Experience of the respondents

Valid Cumulative
Frequency Percent Percent Percent
Valid 1 - 3 years 9 18.8 18.8 18.8
4 - 6 years 22 45.8 45.8 64.6
7 - 10 years 11 22.9 22.9 87.5
11 years above 6 12.5 12.5 100.0
Total 48 100.0 100.0
Source: Researcher Survey Questionnaire, 2022

48
Table 3 revealed that 9 respondents representing 18.8% had worked between 1 – 3

years within their respective organizations, 22 respondents representing 45.8% had

worked between 4 – 6 years, 11 respondents representing 22.9% had worked between 7

– 10 years and 6 respondents representing 12.5% had worked for 11 years and above.

4.4 Government Regulations

Table 4: Government Regulations

Descriptive Statistics
Std.
N Minimum Maximum Mean Deviation
The Established laws and 48 1.00 5.00 2.6875 1.0946
regulations regarding procurement 0
are effective for SMEs
Regularly review the procurement 48 1.00 4.00 2.1458 .65199
regulations in your company
All regulations have been 48 1.00 5.00 2.5417 .96664
implemented in your company
Suppliers are trained on 48 1.00 4.00 2.0000 .92253
procurement laws and regulations

49
Government has no policies 48 1.00 5.00 2.8542 1.0516
concerning green procurement 4
practices for SMEs
Valid N (listwise) 48 2.4458
Source: Researcher Survey Questionnaire, 2022

According to the findings, with an aggregate mean of 2.4458, most respondents strongly

agreed with these statements: for SMEs, the current procurement laws and regulations

are effective with a standard deviation of 1.09460 and a mean of 2.6875; you review the

procurement regulations in your company on a regular basis, with a standard deviation

of.65199 and a mean of 2.1458; and you have implemented all regulations in your

company, with a mean of 2.541.

4.5 Consumer Pressure

Table 5: Consumer Pressure

Descriptive Statistics

Std.
N Minimum Maximum Mean Deviation
Consumer pressure is critical in 48 1.00 4.00 1.9583 1.14777
procurement processes
Consumer pressure affect 48 1.00 5.00 1.7500 1.21165
procurement of products and
services

50
consumer pressure agitates for 48 1.00 5.00 2.0417 1.48694
green procurement practices
Consumer pressure play key role 48 1.00 5.00 2.3333 1.56196
in implementation of green
procurement
Consumers have contributed to 48 1.00 5.00 2.2917 1.38316
the implementation of green
procurement practices
Valid N (listwise) 48 2.075
Source: Researcher Survey Questionnaire, 2022

According to study results, the majority of participants strongly concurred with the

following assertion, with an overall mean of 2.05: Consumer pressure affects the

purchase of goods and services with a standard deviation of 1.21165 and a mean of

1.7500 and is crucial in procurement procedures with a standard deviation of 1.14777

and a mean of 1.9583. Consumer pressure drives the adoption of green purchasing

methods with 1.48694 standard deviation and a mean of 2.0417, a key role for consumer

pressure in green procurement with a standard deviation of 1.56196 and a mean of

2.3333, and consumer input with a standard deviation of 1.38316 and a mean of 2.2917.

51
4.6 Top Management Support

Table 6: Top Management Support

Descriptive Statistics

Std.
N Minimum Maximum Mean Deviation
Our company's management has 48 1.00 4.00 2.5833 .96389
implemented guidelines to improve
green procurement

The management ensures that the 48 1.00 5.00 2.8958 1.27562

firm purchases recycled goods

The company employees staff 48 1.00 3.00 1.9167 .64687

understand green procurement
practices

52
Regardless of costs, the 48 1.00 5.00 2.3333 1.40415
management allots sufficient funds
to ensure that green procurement
is done

In order to simplify the green 48 1.00 5.00 2.5417 1.21967

buying process, the management
encourages collaborations with
suppliers

Valid N (listwise) 48 2.4541

Source: Researcher Survey Questionnaire, 2022

According to the data regarding responders, the majority strongly agreed with the

following with a general mean score of 2.454: Respondents who were asked if their

company's management had implemented policies to promote green procurement

strongly agreed, scoring 2.5833 as the average and.96389 as the standard deviation;

they also strongly agreed that management made sure the company bought recycled

goods, scoring 2.8958 as the average and 1.27562 as the standard deviation. With a

mean score of 1.9167 and a standard deviation of.64687, the respondents very strongly

agreed that the company's personnel understand green procurement procedures. With a

standard deviation of 1.40415 and a mean score of 2.3333, the majority of respondents

also strongly agreed that the management has allotted enough funds to ensure that

green procurement methods are followed, regardless of costs. Finally, the average score

was 2.5417, with a 1.21967 standard deviation the respondents strongly concurred that

the management encourages cooperation with suppliers to streamline green

procurement processes.

53
4.7 Supplier Relationship Management

Table 7: Supplier Relationship Management

Descriptive Statistics

Std.
N Minimum Maximum Mean Deviation
To ensure that green 48 1.00 5.00 2.5000 1.09155
procurement is used, the
company forms collaborations
with suppliers
In order to investigate ways to 48 1.00 5.00 1.7500 1.21165
improve green buying,
procurement officials visit
suppliers

54
Suppliers of products that can 48 1.00 3.00 1.9167 .64687
be recycled are given
preference
We maintain a directory of 48 1.00 5.00 3.0625 1.24467
partner green suppliers in our
procurement management
systems
Some providers return to gather 48 1.00 5.00 3.0000 1.18501
discarded products for recycling
Valid N (listwise) 48 2.4458
Source: Researcher Survey Questionnaire,

With an aggregate mean of 2.4458 according to the findings, the majority of those

surveyed strongly agreed with the following: With a mean score of 2.5000 and a standard

deviation of 1.09155, the company forms agreements with suppliers to ensure that green

procurement is practiced. The item, " In order to investigate ways to improve green

buying, procurement officials visit suppliers" was scored using a mean of 1.7500 and a

standard deviation of 1.21165. On the item " suppliers of products that can be recycled

are given preference" which had an average score of 31.9167 and a standard deviation

of .64687, having a 3.0625 as the average and 1.24467 as the standard deviation, the

item "We maintain a directory of partner green suppliers in our procurement

management systems" was evaluated and lastly with 3.0000 as the average score and

1.18501 as the standard deviation on the item “some providers return to gather

discarded products for recycling”.

The findings support Thakker and Rane's (2018) contention that a company needs to

take strategies to make sure its connections with its suppliers are positive. Thakker and

55
Rane argue that supplier relationship has an important effect on the adoption of green

purchasing procedures for SMEs in Liberia. The findings of Kalyar, Shoukat, and

Shafique (2019), are further evidence for these conclusions. The authors illustrated how

GSCM activities—green production, green purchasing, eco-design, consumer

collaboration, and the financial efficiency of enterprises was significantly impacted

directly and indirectly by green information systems. As a result, this strategy was

adopted.

4.8 Implementation of Green Procurement Practices

Table 8: Implementation of Green Procurement Practices

Descriptive Statistics

Std.
N Minimum Maximum Mean Deviation
The majority of our purchases are 48 1.00 5.00 3.1667 1.27719
made through green purchasing

56
Most of the items used in our 48 1.00 5.00 3.2292 1.20706
production processes are recycled
after use energy costs and
disposal costs
The firm ensures that green 48 1.00 5.00 3.1458 1.16673
procurement is practiced where
possible
Sales at our businesses have 48 1.00 5.00 3.4583 7.67965
increased, particularly from clients
that value the environment
As a result of policy support for 48 1.00 5.00 2.8750 1.21384
green procurement, our company
has seen longer lead times
Valid N (listwise) 48 3.175
Source: Researcher Survey Questionnaire, 2022

Having an overall mean of 3.175, according to the research, the vast majority of

respondents said that they are using green procurement techniques to a modest extent:

with a 3.1667 as the average and 1.27719 as the standard deviation, most of the

participants, to a moderate extent, concurred that green procurement accounts for most

of their purchases, besides, 3.2292 as the average and 1.20706 as the standard

deviation on the item, most of the products utilized in our industrial processes are

recycled after use energy expenses and disposal costs, averaging 3.1458 and having a

standard deviation of 1.16673 on the item, the firm ensures that green procurements is

performed where possible, having an average score of 3.4583 and a standard deviation

of 7.67965 on the item, our enterprises have seen gains in sales, especially from clients

that support the environment, and lastly regarding item, our company has seen longer

lead times in our green procurement procedures as a result of policy support.

57
4.9 Regression Analysis

From the findings presented in tables 9 to 11, the R-square value was 0.903 which

means that variants account for 90.3% in green procurement practices can be credited

to its implementation by SME in Liberia. The remaining 9.7.6% variations can be

attributed to other factors. The findings also show that the independent variables

(supplier relationship, consumer pressure, government regulations and top management

support) have a correlation coefficient (R) of 0.950, which indicates that they are

significantly and positively associated.

Based on the findings of the ANOVA, the model was very significant, as shown by the p-

value of p0.000, which is less than 0.05. Additionally, the outcomes demonstrate that the

f-calculated value, which was 99.870, was higher than the F-critical value (F3,43 =

2.589). The model can be used to predict variables that affect how SMEs in Liberia apply

green procurement methods because the value calculated by f exceeds the value

determined by f's criticality. Y= 0.284 + 0.290 X1 + 0.431 X2 + 0.102 X3 + 0.473 X4 + ε

was fitted using the coefficients table.

Based on the equation above, the implementation of green procurement techniques

would be at a constant value of 0.284 when all other factors—government legislation,

customer pressure, top management backing, and supply relationship—are held

constant at zero. The results also demonstrated that SMEs in Liberia could use green

procurement methods to a greater extent by 0.290 units for every unit of increased

government regulation. The findings demonstrated that SMEs in Liberia must employ

58
green procurement techniques to a greater extent by 0.431 for every unit increase in

consumer pressure. The results indicated that an increase in top management support

could result in a 0.102 rise in the use of green procurement methods by SMEs in Liberia,

and that an increase in supplier relationships could result in a 0.473 increase in the use

of green procurement methods by SMEs in Liberia.

The results demonstrated that the t-statistic (1.634) has a p value (0.009) that is below

the selected threshold of significance (0.05). Consequently, we concurred with the initial

null hypothesis (H01) and drew the conclusion that government rules have a favorable

and significant impact on Liberia's SMEs' adoption of environmentally friendly buying

practices. The outcomes also demonstrated the t-statistic (3.449) has a p value (0.001)

that is lower than the selected threshold of significance (0.05). Because of this, we were

in agreement with the second null hypothesis (H02) and drew the conclusion that the

adoption of green procurement by SMEs in Liberia is significantly and positively impacted

by consumer pressure. Additionally, the outcomes also demonstrated that the t-statistic

(-.445) has a p value (0.658) that is the selected threshold of significance (0.05). The

third null hypothesis (H03) is therefore rejected based on conclusion that top

management support does not significantly and positively affect the adoption of green

purchasing practices by SMEs in Liberia. Lastly, the outcomes also demonstrated the t-

statistic (2.878) has a p value (0.006) that is the selected threshold of significance (0.05).

Thus, we accepted the four-null hypothesis (H04) and inferred that supplier connections

considerably and favorably impact SMEs' adoption of green buying in Liberia.

59
Table 9: Model Summary

Std. Error of the

Model R R Square Adjusted R Square Estimate
1 .950a .903 .894 .41896
a. Predictors: (Constant), Supplier Relationship, Consumer Pressure,

Government Regulations, Top Management Support

Table 10: ANOVAa

Sum of Mean
Model Squares df Square F Sig.
1 Regression 70.119 4 17.530 9 .000b
9.870
Residual 7.548 43 .176
Total 77.667 47
a. Dependent Variable: Implementation of green procurement

practices

b. Predictors: (Constant), Supplier Relationship, Consumer Pressure,

Government Regulations, Top Management Support

Table 11: Coefficientsa

60
 Unstandardized Standardized
Coefficients Coefficients
Model B Std. Error Beta t Sig.
1 (Constant) .284 .176 1.613 .114
Government Regulations .290 .177 .232 1.634 .109
Consumer Pressure .431 .125 .469 3.449 .001
Top Management -.102 .230 -.093 -.445 .658
Support
Supplier Relationship .473 .164 .403 2.878 .006
a. Dependent Variable: Implementation of green procurement practices

4.10 Chapter Summary

The main findings were collected through questionnaire and were presented using

frequency table and descriptive statistics. A regression analysis was done through which

a model summary, ANOVA and Coefficients were presented showing the significance

level between the independent and dependent variables.

Chapter 5: Discussions

5.0 Introduction

61
In chapter 4, findings from data and information were collated from the separated

questionnaires administered to the four selected SMEs. These questionnaires contained

closed ended likert scale questions on the variables under study.

In this chapter, research findings in previous chapter are discussed in order to analyze

and synthesize the findings. Also, in analyzing the findings, this chapter was aimed at

responding to the objectives which are linked to the conceptual framework in the

literature review.

5.1 Discussions and Analyses of the Findings

The study's conclusions showed that SMEs are significantly encouraged to adopt green

procurement practices by customer demand. A few factors are suppliers' ability to

incorporate new green purchasing criteria, consumer pressure, and commitment to new

legislative norms. This conclusion is analogous to that observed by Meehan & Bryde

(2011), who discovered that hotel management embraced green purchasing practices as

a result of consumer demand to protect the environment. Consumer pressure on SMEs

in Liberia is required for the implementation of green buying methods. To implement

green procurement techniques, there are internal obstacles including cost, as well as a

lack of knowledge regarding how to use the data provided by suppliers, and staff

members might not consider them to be a crucial stage in the procurement process

(Appolloni et al., 2014). Laws, rules, and the unwillingness of suppliers to commit are

examples of external impediments.

62
In order to solve internal obstacles to implementing green purchasing, such as expenses

and a lack of supplier knowledge, consumers must exert pressure on SMEs (Song &

Zhang, 2017). Thus, it is clear that the SMEs under investigation contributed significantly

to Liberia's adoption of green procurement techniques.

The results suggest that policy framework is a key factor in SMEs in Liberia

implementing green procurement practices. These results are generally in line with a

study by Walker et al. (2008) that determined that external and internal constraints,

including regulations, weak supplier commitment, and industry-specific barriers, were

significant in the implementation of green procurement methods. The results concurred

with the conclusions of the study by Song and Zhang (2017). The authors made the case

that top management support could foretell the success of green procurement. The

results supported research by Al-Shboul et al. (2018) that demonstrated how

management in Gulf countries implemented a variety of interventions to promote green

procurement practices. Lean production was one of the principles, along with supplier

collaboration and flexibility with partners, that were tightly integrated into every element

of the company and supported by top management.

The respondents were asked to list any additional ways that the adoption of green

procurement by SMEs in Liberia would compromise its efficacy. As a result, it calls for

close cooperation between business units and corporate departments, leading to the

supply chain's seamless integration of environmental protection. This finding is

comparable to that made by Amoako, Bonsu, Caesar, and Osei-Tete (2020), who

63
showed how green supply chain practices (GSCPs) relate to long-term commercial

benefits for emerging markets, with a focus on underdeveloped countries. Additional

justification for this study was inspired by Song & Zhang's (2017) assertion that green

procurement methods that are both process- and product-based increase organizational

profitability.

This shows that the majority of SMEs in Liberia do have internal policies in place to

undertake green procurement. The aforementioned results are consistent with

Gachukia's (2018) conclusions that internal regulations play a key influence in the

adoption of green procurement.

The study also tried to identify further strategies to improve how SMEs in Liberia adopt

green procurement. The findings indicated that SMEs must follow the policy framework.

This is so because policy establishes standards for how SMEs operate in a particular

industry or region. This is because in order to design or manufacture products that are

not environmentally dangerous, the majority of small firms need permission from the

appropriate body. When it comes to green procurement methods, government

regulations and standards are the primary driving forces influencing change in the field of

environmental management. Businesses that violate environmental regulations are

subject to charges and penalties. This finding is consistent with that of Nasiche and

Ngugi (2014), who noted that policies are being used in many nations to protect against

environmental concerns. Gatari & Were (2014) asserted that the majority of small

enterprises find it difficult to implement green procurement strategies because of the

64
regulatory environment. This is because there aren't any rules governing SMEs for some

products, which deter small enterprises from using green buying methods. The results

indicated a modest level of green procurement adoption by SMEs in Liberia.

5.2 Conceptual Framework Re-Visited

The research findings are in line with the conceptual framework. The independent

variables which included: government regulation, consumer pressure, top management

support and supplier relationship have direct impact on the dependent variable which

was the implementation of green procurement practices. According to the findings,

majority of the respondents strongly agreed with an overall mean of 2.4458 that

government regulations influence the implementation of green procurement practices.

This finding is in line with the first independent variable government regulation in the

conceptual framework, which according to Walker & Philips (2009) found that

government regulation as a barrier to the implementation of sustainable practices in

SMEs. Thus, the H01 hypothesis that government rules have a favorable and

considerable impact on SMEs’ implementation of green procurement in Liberia was

accepted.

The findings gathered, also supports the conceptual framework independent variable on

consumer pressure of which majority of the respondents strongly agreed with an overall

mean score of 2.05 that consumer pressure affects the implementation of green

65
procurement practices for SMEs in Liberia. This finding supports the H02 hypothesis

made in the conceptual framework that consumers’ pressures have an important and

good impact on green procurement implementation for SMEs in Liberia. This is further in

line with the assertion made my Hsu and Hu (2008) that consumers have increased the

amount of pressure they exert on their suppliers to improve their environmental

performance, which has led to an increased level of motivation on the part of suppliers to

work together with consumers to achieve environmental goals.

The findings gathered, revealed that majority of the respondents strongly agreed with an

overall mean score of 2.4541 that top management support influence the implementation

of green procurement practices for SMEs in Liberia. These findings corroborated with the

conceptual framework independent variable on top management which according to Lin

& Ho (2011) asserts that successful implementation of green procurement practices

depends on senior management's support. This also supports the H03 hypothesis that

adoption of green procurement by SMEs in Liberia is positively and significantly

influenced by top management support.

Lastly, the findings gathered from the survey revealed that majority of the respondents

strongly agreed with an overall mean score of 2.4458 that Supplier Relationship

Management influence the implementation of green procurement practices by SMEs in

Liberia. These findings were in line with the conceptual framework independent variable

on supply relationship management which according to Bowen et al., (2001), businesses

should work together with their suppliers to develop environmentally friendly products

66
that do not include any harmful or poisonous substances. Thus, the H04 hypothesis was

accepted which mentioned that for SMEs in Liberia, the implementation of green buying

is positively and significantly influenced by supplier relationships.

5.3 Chapter Summary

The supplier connection, customer pressure, governmental regulations, and top

management support are the independent factors that have a strong and positive

association with one another, and the dependent variable is: adoption of environmentally

friendly buying procedures. The study shows to a moderate extent in which SMEs are

implementing green procurement practices in Liberia.

Chapter 6: Conclusions and Recommendations

6.0 Introduction

67
This dissertation's primary goal was to evaluate factors influencing green procurement

practices implementation for SMEs in Liberia. The findings from the study will help the

management of the four (4) selected SMEs in recognizing the elements that have an

impact on how green procurement methods are used. These findings will also serve as a

guide in formulating policies that take into consideration green procurement strategies.

This research was done using a quantitative methodology by way of structural

questionnaires supported by literature review. The four selected SMEs received a total of

60 questionnaires, 48 of which were collected, and the data was evaluated using the

Social Science Statistics Package (SPSS). The data was presented using frequency

table for the background information on the respondents while the descriptive statistics

was using in analyzing the independent variables and dependent variable.

6.1 Research Conclusions and Recommendations

Conclusion 1: As SMEs conduct their business in a manner that complies with societal

and legal standards, institutional theory is pertinent to the implementation of green

procurement methods. Laws and regulations are therefore necessary for SMEs to

implement green procurement practices. The statistics show that the vast majority of

respondents genuinely believe that existing laws and rules governing procurement are

successful in guiding SMEs in Liberia toward the adoption of green procurement. The

outcomes also showed that the majority of Liberia's SMEs regularly evaluate the

68
procurement laws. The report also revealed that supplier analysis was done to make

sure green procurement laws were followed. The majority of requirements have been

applied by SMEs and was found that most of them educate their suppliers about

procurement laws and regulations.

According to the study's findings, the adoption of green procurement is positively

impacted by the legal and regulatory environment. This showed that there are noticeably

few laws and regulations in Liberia requiring SMEs to use green procurement methods.

The effective implementation of green procurement is enhanced by a supporting

legislative and regulatory framework on environmental management.

Conclusion 2: The results demonstrate that the management of the four SMEs had put

in place policies for enhancing green procurement practices. The findings revealed from

the four (4) selected SMEs that management of each SME purchases recycled goods.

The results showed that most respondents firmly agreed that staff members at each

SME entity are aware about green procurement procedures and that management had

allotted a sufficient budget to ensure that green procurement was used regardless of

costs.

Conclusion 3: Finally, a resounding majority of respondents believed that management

promoted supplier alliances to expedite green procurement methods. The results showed

that the four (4) selected SMEs in Liberia needed managerial support in order to

implement green procurement practices. The respondents pointed out that top

management support was needed in order to implement green procurement methods,

69
internal obstacles including expense and an inability to use the data provided by vendors

properly, among other things. This suggested that policy framework is a key factor in

determining how SMEs in Liberia would implement green procurement.

Majority of the respondents pointed out that the method most frequently employed that

can be used to implement green procurement practices is whereby procurement

authorities visit suppliers regularly. The results show that the relationship with the

supplier has a significant impact on how Liberian SMEs implement green procurement

policies. The respondents also emphasized that SMEs have a number of difficulties

when implementing green procurement, necessitating strong coordination with their

suppliers along the supply chain.

The respondents were also asked to list any further ways that SMEs in Liberia could

improve their use of green procurement. The findings indicated that SMEs must follow

the policy framework. This is so because policy sets standards for how SMEs should

operate in a particular market or region. This is because the majority of SMEs need

permission from the appropriate agency before they can design or produce products that

aren't detrimental to the environment. When it comes to green procurement methods,

government regulations and standards are the main forces behind change in the field of

environmental management. SMEs who disregard environmental regulations will pay a

fine in the form of a penalty.

Conclusions 4: The results also demonstrate a noteworthy and favorable correlation

between the independent variables (supplier relationship, consumer pressure,

70
governmental regulations, and top management support), as shown by the correlation

coefficient (R) value of 0.950. According to analysis of variance (ANOVA) results, the

adoption of green procurement practices can be statistically and significantly predicted

by supplier relationships, consumer pressure, top management support, and government

legislation (F= 99.870, p0.05). The study therefore concluded that that government

regulations, consumer pressure, top management support and supplier relationship

influence the use of sustainable purchasing methods.

Recommendations

To successfully implement green procurement practices in Liberia, top management of

SMEs should be more proactive in addressing internal barriers such as costs and other

factors that may serve as an impediment to the use of sustainable purchasing.

The data do in fact show that the implementation of green procurement is significantly

influenced by supplier relationships; therefore, it is recommended that SMEs operating in

Liberia must devise strategies that might enable them to work collaboratively with

suppliers in ensuring that green procurement implementation is adhere to and should be

embedded into their business models.

According to the study, all SMEs operating in Liberia should be required to adhere strictly

to the country's legal requirements for the use of green procurement methods. There is

also need for the Public Procurement and Concession Act (PPCC) to be amended in

71
order to incorporate green procurement practices that might be binding on all businesses

and entities operating in Liberia.

6.2 Significance of the Research

The research is significant because it is helpful to policy makers and practitioners in

formulating policies that take into consideration green procurement strategies. The

research is also significant since it can be accessed by future researchers and academic

institutions who might want to use this research for future references.

6.3 Limitations and Suggestions for further Research

Due to the limited amount of time to complete this study, it was only possible to perform

the research on four SMEs in Liberia and only employ a quantitative approach. The

researcher encountered several constraints which included limited secondary information

on factors influencing green procurement practices within the Liberia context,

unwillingness of some respondents to participate in the survey, etc. Although the study's

results suggested that the characteristics examined had a favorable impact on the

adoption of green procurement techniques, more thorough research is required to

precisely quantify the determinants. Additional research could be conducted in larger

manufacturing firms other than SMEs and on factors than those studied. To develop a

clear picture of the factors influencing the implementation of green procurement, a

comparable study must also be carried out on other SMEs in Liberia.

72
The investigation was conducted on four (4) selected SMEs in Montserrado in which the

findings may not reflect other SMEs operating in Liberia with regards to implementation

of green procurement practices. To obtain a clear picture of the factors impacting the

adoption of green procurement methods by SMEs in Liberia, additional research must be

undertaken that includes more SMEs.

6.4 Chapter Summary

This chapter offers recommendations and a summary that drew perspective from

objectives and research questions. Recommendations for further study are included.

73
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 Appendices

Appendix 1: Questionnaire

Section A: Background Information

1. Gender of Respondents

Male { }
Female { }

2. Age of the respondent

18-25 years { }
26-35 years { }
36-45 years { }
Over 45 years { }

3. Educational Background

High School Diploma { }

Undergraduate { }
Post Graduate Diploma { }
Master { }
Others { }

4. Work Experience of the Respondents

1 – 3 years { }
4 – 6 years { }
7 – 10 years { }
11 years above { }
Section B: Green Procurement Practices

5. Government Regulation
Indicate your level of agreement with the following statements using the scale
below:
(1= Very strongly agree, 2= strongly agree, 3= Moderately agree, 4=Disagree,
5=strongly disagree)
No. Statement 1 2 3 4 5
1. The Established laws and
regulations regarding
procurement are effective for
SMEs
2. Regularly review the
procurement regulations in your
company
3. All regulations have been
implemented in your company
4. Suppliers are trained on
procurement laws and
regulations
5. Government has no policies
concerning green procurement
practices for SMEs

6. Consumer Pressure
Indicate your level of agreement with the following statements using the scale
below:
(1= Very strongly agree, 2= strongly agree, 3= Moderately agree, 4=Disagree,
5=strongly disagree)
No. Statement 1 2 3 4 5
1. Consumer pressure is critical in
procurement processes
2. Consumer pressure affect
procurement of products and
services
3. Consumer pressure agitate for
green procurement practices
4. Consumer pressure play key
role in implementation of green
procurement
5. Consumers have contributed to
the implementation of green
procurement practices

b
 7. Top Management Support
Indicate your level of agreement with the following statements using the scale
below:
(1= Very strongly agree, 2= strongly agree, 3= Moderately agree, 4=Disagree,
5=strongly disagree)
No. Statement 1 2 3 4 5
1. The management of our firm
has put in place policies for
enhancing green procurement
2. The management ensures that
the firm purchases recycled
goods
3. The company employees staff
understand green procurement
practices
4. Sufficient budgets are allocated
by the management to ensure
that green procurement is
practiced irrespective of costs
5. The management supports
partnerships with suppliers to
streamline green procurement
processes

8. Supplier Relationship
Indicate your level of agreement with the following statements using the scale
below:
(1= Very strongly agree, 2= strongly agree, 3= Moderately agree, 4=Disagree,
5=strongly disagree)
No. Statement 1 2 3 4 5
1. The firm enters into
partnerships with suppliers to
ensure that green procurement
is practiced
2. Procurement officials visit
suppliers to explore the
possibility of enhancing green
procurement
3. Preference is given to suppliers
who supply goods that can be
recycled

c
 4. Our procurement management
systems keep a database of list
of partner green suppliers
5. Some suppliers come back to
collect used products for
recycling

9. Implementation of green procurement practices

Indicate your level of extent in implementation of green procurement with
the following statements using the scale below: (On a scale of 1-5 where 1-to a
very low extent; 2-to a low extent; 3- to a moderate extent; 4-to a high extent and
5-to a very high extent, kindly place X indicating your level of agreement with the
following statements.

No. Statement 1 2 3 4 5
1. Green procurement accounts
for most of our purchases
2. Most of the items used in our
production processes are
recycled after use energy costs
and disposal costs
3. The firm ensures that green
procurement is practiced where
possible
4. Our firms have seen increases
in sales especially by
customers who support the
environment
5. Our firm has seen increase
lead times in our green
procurement processes due to
its support by policy

d
Appendix 2: Participants Information Sheet

Study Title: Factors Influencing Green Procurement Practices Implementation for Small
and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Liberia

I would like to invite you to take part in a research study. Before you decide, you need to
understand why the research is being done and what it would involve for you. Please
take time to read the following information carefully. Ask questions if anything you read
is not clear or if you would like more information. Take time to decide whether or not to
take part.
The purpose for this study is strictly for academic purpose. You have been selected to
take part in the survey to provide information pertaining Small and Medium Enterprises
(SMEs) involvement in Green Procurement Practices implementation. The researcher
has selected 60 other participants to take part in the survey.
Your participation in the survey is voluntary. It is up to you to decide. We will describe
the study and go through the information sheet, which we will give to you. We will then
ask you to sign a consent form to show you agreed to take part. You are free to
withdraw at any time, without giving a reason.
The survey will take a maximum of one week. The questionnaire will be provided to you
and you can response to the questions within one week at your convenient time. Also,
the interview will be scheduled at your convenient time. Your participation in the survey
does not have any cost attached. The researcher would appreciate you filling out the
questionnaires within the specific time frame in order to meet up with the deadline in
submission of the final dissertation to university.
The researcher cannot promise that the study will help you, but the information gather
from the study will help to increase the understanding of Factors Influencing Green
Procurement Practices Implementation for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in
Liberia.
Moreover, if you have a concern about any aspect of this study, you should ask to speak
to the researcher who will do her best to answer your questions. You can call the
following contact numbers: +231776407405/+231886642793. Also, if you remain
unhappy and wish to complain formally you can do this through the university by
contacting my supervisor on email (vesna@rkc.edu).
The researcher assures you that all information which is collected about you during the
course of the research will be kept strictly confidential, and any information about you
which leaves your organization will have your name and address removed so that you
cannot be recognized.
If you withdraw from the study all the information and data collected from you, to date,
will be destroyed and your name removed from all the study files. The results of the
study will be published.

Thank you for your participation.

e
Appendix 3: Research Participant Consent Form

Title of Project: Factors Influencing Green Procurement Practices Implementation for

Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Liberia
Name of Researcher: Zetta Majohn Sankoh
Name of Supervisor: Dr. Vesna Sedoglavich
(Delete as appropriate)
 I confirm that I have read and understood the information sheet
for the above study and what my contribution will be. Yes No

 I have been given the opportunity to ask questions (face to

face, via telephone and e-mail) Yes No
 I agree to take part in the interview
Yes No NA
 I agree to the interview being tape recorded
[
Yes No NA
 I agree to digital images being taken during the research
exercises Yes No NA

 I understand that my participation is voluntary and that I can

withdraw from the research at any time without giving any Yes No
reason

 I agree to take part in the above study Yes No

Name of participant:
Signature:
Date:
Name of researcher : Zetta Majohn Sankoh
Researcher’s e-mail address: zetta.sankoh01@gmail.com

f
Appendix 4: Management Letter - Consent to Approach Research Participants

Date August 15, 2022

Dear (Human Resource Manager)

I am a student undertaking Master of Science in PROCUREMENT, LOGISTICS &

SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT at the University of Salford. As part of my course, I am
undertaking a research study titled: Factors Influencing Green Procurement Practices
Implementation for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Liberia.

Prior to undertaking the study, I need your agreement/consent to approach the following
senior management and employees within your organisation to take part in the study. I
will recruit people to the study using questionnaire and interview. I hope to recruit 15
numbers of participants.

I can assure you that the study will not disrupt the working environment in any way and
any data collected will remain confidential. I have gained ethical approval for the study
from the University of Salford.
My research is supervised by Dr. Vesna Sedoglavich.

Yours sincerely ,
Zetta Majohn Sankoh
Researcher
+231776407405/+231886642793
zetta.sankoh01@gmail.com

g
Appendix 5: Taught Ethical Application

FIRST STAGE
Students engaging in any research activity should read the Guidance Notes for Ethical
Applications – Taught Programmes and complete the Ethics Approval of Taught
Programmes Application Form and submit this, along with all relevant supporting
documentation, to their supervisor. The supervisor will then assess the application
for any significant ethical issues. Please refer to the Guidance for Supervisors and the
guidance notes for the students.
If there are no significant ethical issues to be considered and/or any minor issues have
been fully resolved, the supervisor will sign off the ethics approval form, which should
then be included with the final dissertation.
However, if the supervisor feels that the application falls outside the scope of
supervisory approval i.e. the issues involved are considered to have a significant ethical
dimension, then the application will be referred for review to the Ethics Approval Panel
for Taught Programmes (Second Stage).

SECOND STAGE (Only applies to projects/dissertations with significant ethical

issues)
The application will be reviewed independently by two members of the Ethics
Approval Panel for Taught Programmes. One reviewer will be selected from the same
subject area as the proposed dissertation and the other reviewer from outside this area.

Second Stage Applications should be sent via email to: SBS-

TaughtEthics@salford.ac.uk
Following review, one of the following recommendations will be made:
(a) Application is approved with no changes.
(b) Application is approved subject to conditions which must be approved by
supervisor. Applicant makes the appropriate changes to the application and resubmits
to their supervisor for approval;
(c) Application is approved, subject to conditions, which must be approved by
committee chair. The applicant makes the appropriate changes to the application and
resubmits to the committee chair for approval.
(d) Application is rejected and applicant requested to resubmit to committee.
In cases where the reviewers offer different final recommendations the committee chair
will act as the final arbiter in the decision process.
The normal turnaround time for applications is approximately two weeks following
submission. However, this can be longer, depending upon the complexity and the
time of year the application has been submitted. If the application is not approved
and changes need to be made the overall process will take longer.

h
Instructions for use
Most applications for ethics approval will be able to be granted by the supervisor.
Students should just complete the Checklist and Part A below and forward to their
supervisor, who will complete Part B. In some cases, if the supervisor believes the
proposal should be sent to the Ethics Approval Panel for Taught Programmes for
guidance and clearance, Part C should be completed and sent to the email address
provided above. Supervisors should send Parts A, B and C to the panel in these cases.
The following checklist is to help students and supervisors easily identify projects which
may be designated as one with significant ethical dimensions.

SECTION I: CHECKLIST (select as appropriate)

Does the project/dissertation involve work with human tissue/body fluids?
If ‘NO’ skip to section (II) NO

Does the project involve work with animals and/or animal tissue? NO

If ‘NO’ skip to section (III)

Does the project involve any of the following?
 Recruitment of volunteers?
 Questionnaires or interviews? YES
 Observations of Participants?
If Yes for either please complete the sections (IV)-(VI) below
If No please complete section (VI) only
SECTION II – RISK OF HARM AND RELATED ISSUES (select as appropriate)
Is there any realistic risk of any participants experiencing either physical or NO
psychological distress or discomfort?

Are drugs, placebos or other substances (e.g. food substances, vitamins) to be NO

administered to study participants?
Is there any possible psychological risk to the researcher?
(Note: - physical risks to the researcher are considered in the Risk NO
Assessment not in this form)

Will participants undergo sound exposure beyond the Lower Action Level of NO
the Physical Agents Directive?
Does the project require the use of hazardous substances? NO

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Is the use of radiation (if applicable) over and above what would normally be
expected (for example) in diagnostic imaging? NO

SECTION III – VULNERABLE GROUPS AND FINANCIAL INDUCEMENTS (select as

appropriate)
Will financial inducements (other than reasonable expenses and NO
compensation for time) be offered to participants?
Will participants fall into any of the following special groups?
 Children (under 18 years of age); NO

 People with learning difficulties or communication difficulties; NO

 People who speak a different language; NO
 Patients or clinical populations and/or their careers; NO
 Pregnant women or research on conception or contraception; NO
 People in custody or any form of detention; NO
 People engaged in illegal activities (e.g. drug-taking) NO
SECTION IV – OTHER (select as appropriate)
Are there any other potential significant ethical issues not covered
above? If yes, please give details below: NO

PART A – To be completed by Student

Full Programme Title: Procurement Logistics & Supply Chain Award: Master of
Management Science (MSc)
Title of Research Project: Factors Influencing Green Procurement Practices
Implementation for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises in
Liberia.

Has this project received

external funding? If YES, please provide name of Research Council or
other funding organisation: No
Do you use non-human
genetic materials from If YES, has this been collected since the 12 th of October
outside UK for your 2014? No
research?

Does your study involve

a clinical trial? If YES, do you intend to register your trial on a clinical
database? No

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 Please note that most academic journals will not publish
trials which have not been registered on a clinical trial
registry before the onset of patient enrolment. For the
purposes of registration, a clinical trial is any research study
that prospectively assigns human participants to one or
more health-related interventions to evaluate the effects on
health outcomes. “Interventions” covers any treatment which
can affect an individual’s health, e.g. medical devices,
behavioral treatments, dietary interventions, etc.

For more details, see:

http://www.icmje.org/recommendations/browse/publishing-
and-editorial-issues/clinical-trial-registration.html

1. Project Aims and Objectives:

The main purpose of this study is to assess factors influencing green procurement
practices implementation for SMEs in Liberia.
Specific objectives:
4. First to search relevant literature to examine the effects of green procurement
practices among SMEs in Liberia.
5. Second, to collect relevant data on factors hindering the implementation of green
procurement practices among SMEs in Liberia; and
6. Third, to offer set of recommendations that will help selected SMEs in
implementing green procurement practices in Liberia.

2. Research Methodology:

In order to carry out the study, the researcher is going to utilize an exploratory research
design since this type of design allows them to acquire information regarding the current
status of a phenomenon in relation to the variables in a situation. It also gives subjects
the opportunity to provide additional information on topics that are of interest to the
researcher (Mugenda, 2008). To be more specific, the researcher will conduct a survey
study on four (4) different SMEs. These organizations are E.T. E Geo-Services
Enterprise, Inc., AAmar Recycling Company, Liberty Investment, and M. Sall Business
Center. Because the qualitative approach is concerned with subjective evaluation of
attitudes, views, and behavior, the researcher will employ both quantitative and qualitative
methods.

The study will also collect data that offers a full description of the events, situations, and
interactions between people and things, and it does this in a timely manner. The
quantitative method involves the generation of data in quantitative form, which may then

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be submitted to rigorous quantitative analysis in a formal and rigid fashion. In addition to
being founded on theories, the quantitative method also entails the generation of data in
quantitative form (Kothari, 2008).

3. Organisational Agreement (If applicable):

N/A

4. Approaching Individuals (If applicable):

N/A

5. How will you ensure ‘informed consent’ is gained from anyone involved in
the research?
The researcher will attach the informed consent form to the questionnaire for
respondents to read and sign it before participating in the survey.

6. How will you approach General Data Protection Regulation issues during
your research?
General data protection regulations issues will be handled confidentially. The
researcher will not expose any respondent general data in the research. The respondents
will be informed that the research is strictly for academic purposes and information
provided will not be disclose in anyway.

7. Does this project require that the researcher applies for a Disclosure Barring
Service (DBS) check?
If you have answered YES above, please cite the code and either include it as an
appendix to this application or provide details below about where it can be consulted
electronically. No

8. What other ethical issues should you consider when conducting this
research and how will potential ethical risk/harm be avoided?
Conflict of Interest. The researcher will avoid conflict of interest and allow
respondents to participate in the research survey independently and whatever information
provided will be reported exactly as it has been given.

9. Does the project involve human subjects (e.g. as volunteers or to take part in
interviews/questionnaires) and/or animals and/or human tissue and/or
animal tissue?
If YES, please give details: Yes. The researcher will use 60 persons. 15 persons will
be selected from each of the four (4) SMEs to take part in interviews/questionnaires.
PART B – Application Form for Ethics Approval for Taught Programmes

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 To be completed by Supervisor

To be completed by the supervisor by ticking the relevant box. If ethics approval is granted
the supervisor should give this form to the student to include in their dissertation, along with
Part A. Nothing further needs to be done with the application at this point. However, if
ethics approval is rejected by the supervisor they should consult with the student as
to the required changes and complete Part C.
Student’s Full Zetta Majohn Sankoh
Name:

Title of Research Factors Influencing Green Procurement Practices

and Project Focus: Implementation for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises in
Liberia.

Supervisor’s Name: Dr Vesna Sedoglavich

Data application 27 August 2022

received by
supervisor:

Please send copy of form to student to include in X

Ethics Approval Granted
their dissertation

Ethics Approval If rejected, please consult with student as to the

Rejected required changes

If supervisor has queries or concerns in relation to

Ethics Approval this application, please fill in Part C below and
Referred forward to the School Ethical Approval Panel for
Taught Programmes

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 PART C – To be completed by Supervisor

To be completed by the supervisor if significant ethical issues are identified, with an

indication of the key issues and areas for approval, and forwarded, to the Research
Title Support
Centres of Research
Team (SBS-TaughtEthics@salford.ac.uk). The application will then go
and Project Focus:
through the formal ethics approval process.
Supervisor’s Name:

Please provide a brief description of the key issues and areas within this
application that you would like the Ethics Approval for Taught Programmes to
consider: