Green Supply Chain Management Adoption’s Internal and External Barriers in Malaysia Construction Industry: A Case Study

The construction industry has significantly strengthened Malaysia's economy; however, its swift growth has also influenced the environment and could potentially impact the population. The Malaysian government has committed to promoting the adoption of sustainable practices among construction companies nationwide. Although Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM) has been introduced over the past decade, the majority of construction companies in Malaysia still have not adopted GSCM practices within the construction industry. This qualitative study aimed to pinpoint the internal and external obstacles to the implementation of GSCM. Focusing on the Malaysian construction industry, the research employed a qualitative methodology. Purposive sampling was used to select twelve managerial-level participants from various stakeholders, including clients, contractors, government officers, and consultants. Semi-structured face-to-face interviews served as the primary method for data collection, and the gathered information was meticulously analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. The findings of this study revealed four internal obstacles that organisations face: operational disruption, lack of awareness, lack of knowledge and expertise, and high initial costs. On the other hand, the study revealed five external challenges: insufficient coordination, low market demand, regulatory and policy barriers, and a lack of government incentives. The comprehensive findings and discussions presented in this study are expected to contribute positively to ongoing efforts in implementing GSCM within the Malaysian construction sector, providing valuable insights for policymakers and industry practitioners.