A STUDY OF CHALLENGES ON IMPLEMENTING GREEN SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN SELECTED SERVICE SECTOR ORGANIZATIONS

Abstract

The corporate world of today is more competitive and global than in the past. Shorter product life cycles, quick new product launches, and intelligent clients that are becoming more knowledgeable and well-informed are characteristics of modern business. In this context, there has been an increase in the importance of corporate activity that is environmentally friendly, and many forward-thinking businesses are adopting green supply chain management. Incorporate environmental considerations into all aspects of supply chain management, from product design to end-of-life management. There are common barriers to the implementation of GSCM in the Manufacturing sector .Therefore, this study aims to identify the managerial perception of barriers to implementing green supply chain management practices in the service sector. This study was conducted as a qualitative research study. And also, the case study design has been selected as the research design. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews and phone calls, as well as recorded and face-to-face interviews. It is presented in a detailed textual format, and the collected data was analyzed using the content analysis method. Findings of the study identified some crucial challenges in management style, organizational, technological, and individual as well as financial. The findings demonstrated that among other challenges that impede implementing green supply chain management practices in the Colombo district service sector, lack of managerial commitment, lack of organizational policy, lack of infrastructure and technology, lack of knowledge, lack of suitable human resource, resistance to technology advancement, mindset cultural belief and attitudes and financial constraints are the significant ones. Further, managers have a positive perception on green supply chain management practices. The results also reported that initiating and implementing effective organizational policies, leadership programs and introducing environmental educational subjects and programs, allocating sufficient human resources, workshops and higher educational opportunities and providing training programs. Future research may also compare managerial and employee perceptions about the challenges of implementing GSCM practices in the service sector and can conduct studies on barriers, benefits, and pathways between the service and manufacturing sectors.