Developing green knowledge toward supplier selection: a green intellectual capital perspective

Purpose - There is sufficient literature on green knowledge regarding supplier selections. Notwithstanding, there are hardly any empirical studies that analyze green knowledge toward supplier selection through the lenses of green intellectual capital (GIC). This paper aims to analyze green knowledge development toward supplier selection through the lenses of GIC. Design/methodology/approach - This study uses an exploratory case study approach involving seven public universities in Ghana. A purposive sampling technique was used in selecting respondents who were interviewed through face-to-face and focus group discussions with a semistructured interview guide. Atlas ti software was used to generate themes for discussion. Findings - The findings of this study attribute the nonapplication of green criteria to supplier selection to low knowledge among practitioners. Training, collaboration, opportunities for further studies and affiliation with professional bodies were identified as means to enhance green knowledge. Green human capital factors that support knowledge enhancement include commitment, capability, skills and ease of understanding. Practical implications - Green procurement practitioners in public universities in developing countries stand little chance of integrating green criteria into supplier selection if they do not develop their level of knowledge. Social implications - Selecting green suppliers is a complex issue for public organizations, particularly universities. This study would therefore help equip managers of public universities and procurement practitioners with the relevant GIC knowledge for the successful integration of green credentials into supplier selection. Originality/value - This paper highlights the importance of knowledge in green supplier selection. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, analyzing the role of GIC in knowledge development is considered the first of this kind of study.