Modeling and analyzing critical success factors for implementing environmentally sustainable practices in a public utilities organization: a case study

Abstract

Purpose

Despite the increasing number of studies investigating environmentally sustainable practices in different sectors, no research exists on the issues related to the success factors for implementing environmentally sustainable practices in the utilities sector. To partially fill this research gap, the purpose of this study is to empirically examine these success factors in a public utilities organization in the United Arab Emirates.

Design/methodology/approach

An integrated interpretive structural modeling and fuzzy cross-impact matrix multiplication applied to classification approach was implemented to identify the critical success factors (CSFs) and to model and analyze the relationships among them.

Findings

Thirteen CSFs were identified and the relationships among them were represented by a seven-level hierarchical graphical model, and six CSFs were identified as drivers of success: government policies, regulations and environmental awareness programs; organization sustainability strategies; top management commitment; organizational capabilities; social and environmental responsibility; and eco-knowledge.

Originality/value

This is first kind of study to identify CSFs for implementing environmentally sustainable practices in the utilities sector. The results could guide government policymakers and decision-makers in utilities organizations that are interested in implementing environmentally sustainable practices.

Citation

Albastaki, F.M., Bashir, H., Ojiako, U., Shamsuzzaman, M. and Haridy, S. (2021), "Modeling and analyzing critical success factors for implementing environmentally sustainable practices in a public utilities organization: a case study", Management of Environmental Quality, Vol. 32 No. 4, pp. 768-786. https://doi.org/10.1108/MEQ-01-2021-0002