A critical examination of the maturity stages of strategic procurement development in select organisations in Jamaica

This study aimed to determine the maturity stages of strategic procurement development in manufacturing organisations in the private sector of Jamaica. For decades, the role and function of procurement have been under scrutiny by researchers from various fields including marketing and strategic management. Procurement practitioners did not appreciate their strategic contribution until researchers sought their participation in studies, highlighted the strategic value of ‘buyer’ and ‘supplier’ and when attention was drawn to the function during times of crisis or the shortage of materials. Since the 1970s, through to the 21st century, researchers identified distinctive maturity stages of the procurement function within organisations across Europe and North America. Such research did extend to the Caribbean. Having identified this gap, the researcher pursued this study in Jamaica, using a generic qualitative methodology. A total of ten interviews in seven organisations were conducted online during the period of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The data were transcribed, compiled, and analysed using thematic analysis. The study found that procurement was a function that transcended all levels within an organisation. However, the hierarchical status and autonomy of the function varied among organisations investigated, and there were criteria that determined their strategic prowess. A model was created showing four classifications of strategic procurement maturity in the Jamaican context. Each stage had specific identifiable attributes, but progressive transition was not possible without the support of senior management. This study may assist practitioners and senior managers in corporate businesses and researchers in Jamaica or the wider Caribbean in exploring areas of procurement, using other research designs, and in expanding or challenging what has been done.