IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jsusta/v6y2014i7p4133-4151d37643.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

How Do Contractors Select Suppliers for Greener Construction Projects? The Case of Three Swedish Companies

Author

Listed:
  • Shahin Mokhlesian

    (Division of Service Management, Chalmers University of Technology, SE-41296 Göteborg, Sweden)

Abstract

There are many studies of contractor selection based on clients and the selection of suppliers by contractors. However, supplier selection specifically related to green construction projects has been much less studied. Green construction differs from conventional construction because of differences in its underlying principles and use of environmentally-friendly materials and technologies. This paper studies how procurers in contractor companies in Sweden adopt green projects and how contractor perception of supplier mastery of green knowledge affects supplier selection. The investigation is based on a set of semi-structured interviews conducted among three large contractors in Sweden. A main finding is that the perceived differences between green and conventional projects do not change supplier selection dramatically. An implication is that “greener projects” is a more appropriate denotation than “green project”. Evidence shows that suppliers’ green knowledge is an important factor in supplier selection, as respondents rated suppliers’ knowledge of green projects as very important, and to fix his, there was a consensus among respondents about the need for close collaboration between contractors and suppliers. To ensure knowledge acquisition from suppliers and to increase their competitive advantage over rivals, contractors collaborate with their suppliers in a partnering setting. It is anticipated that the results of this study will be used to fill the gap in the literature on supplier selection in green projects and can also be used for construction firms contemplating getting involved in green projects.

Suggested Citation

  • Shahin Mokhlesian, 2014. "How Do Contractors Select Suppliers for Greener Construction Projects? The Case of Three Swedish Companies," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 6(7), pages 1-19, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:6:y:2014:i:7:p:4133-4151:d:37643
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/6/7/4133/pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/6/7/4133/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. David J. TEECE, 2008. "Profiting from technological innovation: Implications for integration, collaboration, licensing and public policy," World Scientific Book Chapters, in: The Transfer And Licensing Of Know-How And Intellectual Property Understanding the Multinational Enterprise in the Modern World, chapter 5, pages 67-87, World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd..
    2. Vito Albino & Umberto Berardi, 2012. "Green Buildings and Organizational Changes in Italian Case Studies," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 21(6), pages 387-400, September.
    3. Zhang, Ju-liang & Zhang, Ming-yu, 2011. "Supplier selection and purchase problem with fixed cost and constrained order quantities under stochastic demand," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 129(1), pages 1-7, January.
    4. Stuart Green & Scott Fernie & Stephanie Weller, 2005. "Making sense of supply chain management: a comparative study of aerospace and construction," Construction Management and Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 23(6), pages 579-593.
    5. Mark Easterby‐Smith & Marjorie A. Lyles & Eric W. K. Tsang, 2008. "Inter‐Organizational Knowledge Transfer: Current Themes and Future Prospects," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 45(4), pages 677-690, June.
    6. Charles Dhanaraj & Marjorie A Lyles & H Kevin Steensma & Laszlo Tihanyi, 2004. "Managing tacit and explicit knowledge transfer in IJVs: the role of relational embeddedness and the impact on performance," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 35(5), pages 428-442, September.
    7. Katie Williams & Carol Dair, 2007. "What is stopping sustainable building in England? Barriers experienced by stakeholders in delivering sustainable developments," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 15(3), pages 135-147.
    8. Sigvald J. Harryson & Rafal Dudkowski & Alexander Stern, 2008. "Transformation Networks in Innovation Alliances – The Development of Volvo C70," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 45(4), pages 745-773, June.
    9. Bon‐Gang Hwang & Jac See Tan, 2012. "Green building project management: obstacles and solutions for sustainable development," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 20(5), pages 335-349, September.
    10. Andrew Dainty & Geoffrey Briscoe & Sarah Millett, 2001. "Subcontractor perspectives on supply chain alliances," Construction Management and Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 19(8), pages 841-848.
    11. Bai, Chunguang & Sarkis, Joseph, 2010. "Integrating sustainability into supplier selection with grey system and rough set methodologies," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 124(1), pages 252-264, March.
    12. Rosa Dangelico & Devashish Pujari, 2010. "Mainstreaming Green Product Innovation: Why and How Companies Integrate Environmental Sustainability," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 95(3), pages 471-486, September.
    13. Argote, Linda & Ingram, Paul, 2000. "Knowledge Transfer: A Basis for Competitive Advantage in Firms," Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, Elsevier, vol. 82(1), pages 150-169, May.
    14. Amid, A. & Ghodsypour, S.H. & O'Brien, C., 2011. "A weighted max-min model for fuzzy multi-objective supplier selection in a supply chain," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 131(1), pages 139-145, May.
    15. Mike Bresnen & Nick Marshall, 2000. "Partnering in construction: a critical review of issues, problems and dilemmas," Construction Management and Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 18(2), pages 229-237.
    16. Anna Dubois & Lars-Erik Gadde, 2002. "The construction industry as a loosely coupled system: implications for productivity and innovation," Construction Management and Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 20(7), pages 621-631.
    17. Barlow, James, 2000. "Innovation and learning in complex offshore construction projects," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 29(7-8), pages 973-989, August.
    18. Cooke, R. & Cripps, A. & Irwin, A. & Kolokotroni, M., 2007. "Alternative energy technologies in buildings: Stakeholder perceptions," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 32(14), pages 2320-2333.
    19. Per Erik Eriksson & Ossi Pesamaa, 2007. "Modelling procurement effects on cooperation," Construction Management and Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 25(8), pages 893-901.
    20. Udo Zander & Bruce Kogut, 1995. "Knowledge and the Speed of the Transfer and Imitation of Organizational Capabilities: An Empirical Test," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 6(1), pages 76-92, February.
    21. Spekman, Robert E., 1988. "Strategic supplier selection: Understanding long-term buyer relationships," Business Horizons, Elsevier, vol. 31(4), pages 75-81.
    22. Jonatan Pinkse & Marcel Dommisse, 2009. "Overcoming barriers to sustainability: an explanation of residential builders' reluctance to adopt clean technologies," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 18(8), pages 515-527, December.
    23. Ina Drejer & Anker Lund Vinding, 2006. "Organisation, 'anchoring' of knowledge, and innovative activity in construction," Construction Management and Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 24(9), pages 921-931.
    24. Vermeulen, Walter J.V. & Hovens, Jeroen, 2006. "Competing explanations for adopting energy innovations for new office buildings," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 34(17), pages 2719-2735, November.
    25. Kadefors, Anna, 1995. "Institutions in building projects: Implications for flexibility and change," Scandinavian Journal of Management, Elsevier, vol. 11(4), pages 395-408, December.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Citations

    Citations are extracted by the CitEc Project, subscribe to its RSS feed for this item.
    as


    Cited by:

    1. Qingpeng Cao & Moses Olabhele Esangbedo & Sijun Bai & Caroline Olufunke Esangbedo, 2019. "Grey SWARA-FUCOM Weighting Method for Contractor Selection MCDM Problem: A Case Study of Floating Solar Panel Energy System Installation," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(13), pages 1-30, June.
    2. Shengguo Xu & Chunli Chu & Meiting Ju & Chaofeng Shao, 2016. "System Establishment and Method Application for Quantitatively Evaluating the Green Degree of the Products in Green Public Procurement," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 8(9), pages 1-12, September.
    3. Zydrune Morkunaite & Romualdas Bausys & Edmundas Kazimieras Zavadskas, 2019. "Contractor Selection for Sgraffito Decoration of Cultural Heritage Buildings Using the WASPAS-SVNS Method," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(22), pages 1-25, November.
    4. Ai Sian Ng & May O. Lwin & Augustine Pang, 2017. "Toward a Theoretical Framework for Studying Climate Change Policies: Insights from the Case Study of Singapore," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(7), pages 1-21, July.
    5. Kittipos Kawesittisankhun & Jakrapong Pongpeng, 2020. "Social Sustainability: Satisfying Owners and Communities by Multilevel Strategies of Contractors," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(5), pages 1-18, March.
    6. Andreia de Castro e Silva & Robson Seleme & Wiliam de Assis Silva & Izabel Cristina Zattar & Elpidio Oscar Benitez Nara & Osiris Canciglieri Júnior & Lisianne Brittes Benitez, 2022. "Evaluation and Choice Criteria of Sustainable Suppliers in the Construction Industry: A Comparative Study in Brazilian Companies," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(23), pages 1-16, November.
    7. Chih-Chao Chung & Li-Chung Chao & Shi-Jer Lou, 2016. "The Establishment of a Green Supplier Selection and Guidance Mechanism with the ANP and IPA," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 8(3), pages 1-24, March.

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Lauri Pulkka & Miro Ristimäki & Karoliina Rajakallio & Seppo Junnila, 2016. "Applicability and benefits of the ecosystem concept in the construction industry," Construction Management and Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 34(2), pages 129-144, February.
    2. Berardi, Umberto, 2013. "Stakeholders’ influence on the adoption of energy-saving technologies in Italian homes," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 60(C), pages 520-530.
    3. Vito Albino & Umberto Berardi, 2012. "Green Buildings and Organizational Changes in Italian Case Studies," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 21(6), pages 387-400, September.
    4. Vidushini Siva & Thomas Hoppe & Mansi Jain, 2017. "Green Buildings in Singapore; Analyzing a Frontrunner’s Sectoral Innovation System," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(6), pages 1-23, May.
    5. Scharmann, Anne, 2024. "Innovation collaboration between family firms and startups: Insights from the German construction industry," Junior Management Science (JUMS), Junior Management Science e. V., vol. 9(2), pages 1384-1413.
    6. Scaringella, Laurent & Burtschell, François, 2017. "The challenges of radical innovation in Iran: Knowledge transfer and absorptive capacity highlights — Evidence from a joint venture in the construction sector," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 122(C), pages 151-169.
    7. Sajjad Jasimuddin & Jun Li & Nicholas Perdikis, 2015. "Linkage between geographic space and knowledge transfer by multinational enterprises: a structural equation approach," The Annals of Regional Science, Springer;Western Regional Science Association, vol. 54(3), pages 769-795, May.
    8. Houda Elmustapha & Thomas Hoppe & Hans Bressers, 2018. "Understanding Stakeholders’ Views and the Influence of the Socio-Cultural Dimension on the Adoption of Solar Energy Technology in Lebanon," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(2), pages 1-17, January.
    9. Per Erik Eriksson, 2010. "Partnering: what is it, when should it be used, and how should it be implemented?," Construction Management and Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 28(9), pages 905-917.
    10. Per Erik Eriksson & Ossi Pesamaa, 2007. "Modelling procurement effects on cooperation," Construction Management and Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 25(8), pages 893-901.
    11. Didi van Doren & Peter PJ Driessen & Hens Runhaar & Mendel Giezen, 2018. "Scaling-up low-carbon urban initiatives: Towards a better understanding," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 55(1), pages 175-194, January.
    12. Rémy Guichardaz & Laurent Bach & Julien Penin, 2019. "Music industry intermediation in the digital era and the resilience of the Majors’ oligopoly: the role of transactional capability," Industry and Innovation, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 26(7), pages 843-869, August.
    13. Hongxin Zhao & Muammer Ozer & Weidong Rong & Reuben Mondejar, 2019. "Do Management Innovations of Indigenous Firms Benefit from Managerial Spillovers from Multinational Enterprises?," Management International Review, Springer, vol. 59(6), pages 919-947, December.
    14. Jonathan Gosling & Mohamed Naim & Denis Towill & Wessam Abouarghoub & Brian Moone, 2015. "Supplier development initiatives and their impact on the consistency of project performance," Construction Management and Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 33(5-6), pages 390-403, June.
    15. Jan Bröchner, 2010. "Innovation in Construction," Chapters, in: Faïz Gallouj & Faridah Djellal (ed.), The Handbook of Innovation and Services, chapter 31, Edward Elgar Publishing.
    16. Park, Chansoo & Vertinsky, Ilan & Becerra, Manuel, 2015. "Transfers of tacit vs. explicit knowledge and performance in international joint ventures: The role of age," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 24(1), pages 89-101.
    17. T. Ravichandran & Simona Ileana Giura, 2019. "Knowledge Transfers in Alliances: Exploring the Facilitating Role of Information Technology," Information Systems Research, INFORMS, vol. 30(3), pages 726-744, September.
    18. Christian Keen & Yuanyuan Wu, 2011. "An ambidextrous learning model for the internationalization of firms from emerging economies," Journal of International Entrepreneurship, Springer, vol. 9(4), pages 316-339, December.
    19. Balboni, Bernardo & Marchi, Gianluca & Vignola, Marina, 2017. "Knowledge transfer in the context of buyer–supplier relationship: An analysis of a supplier's customer portfolio," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 80(C), pages 277-287.
    20. Majuri, Matti, 2022. "Inter-firm knowledge transfer in R&D project networks: A multiple case study," Technovation, Elsevier, vol. 115(C).

    More about this item

    Keywords

    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;

    Statistics

    Access and download statistics

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:6:y:2014:i:7:p:4133-4151:d:37643. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.