Examining factors influencing green supply chain management implementation in the cement manufacturing industry in South Africa.

Purpose of the study: Green supply chain management (GSCM) has gained worldwide momentum, however, its successful implementation in most manufacturing companies has remained problematic. The cement manufacturer in South Africa is not immune to problems related to GSCM implementation. An understanding of employees' perceptions towards factors affecting GSCM implementation is a profound strategy to ensure a successful GSCM programme. It is not uncommon that most manufacturing firms, including cement producers, ignore the importance of incorporating the views of employees when making GSCM decisions. This study's purpose is twofold, namely (i) to assess employees' perceptions of factors affecting GSCM implementation and (ii) to investigate how these factors influence the implementation of the GSCM system. Design/methodology/approach: A descriptive quantitative case study methodology, through a structured questionnaire, was used to collect data from a sample of 306 employees at the cement manufacturer in the City of Tshwane with a total population of 1500 employees. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 26 was used to conduct multivariate and descriptive analyses including factor analysis, correlations and regression analyses. Findings: It was found that employees had a negative perception towards all five factors (internal, external, customers, competitors, and suppliers) for GSCM implementation and a positive statistically significant relationship was found existing between four factors (internal, external, customers and suppliers) and implementation of the GSCM system at the cement manufacturer in the City of Tshwane. Recommendations/value: The study suggests that management must ensure commitment to green supply chain practice, and this is achieved by taking leaders and managers in different functional areas for green supply chain management training. Managerial implications: This study implies that the cement manufacturer should provide a supportive organisational structure, source skills, invest in technology, involve suppliers and share knowledge in line with GSCM systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]