Title: Drivers for embedding sustainability strategies within the Abu Dhabi public sector organisation: an empirical study

Authors: Suresh Renukappa; Ahmed Al Shebli; Subashini Suresh

Addresses: Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton WV1 1LY, UK ' Abu Dhabi Police, 253 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates ' Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton WV1 1LY, UK

Abstract: Public sector organisations are being encouraged to embed sustainably strategies, to reduce their environmental footprint and improve social responsibility. A critical review of literature indicate that there is no empirical research reported on the key drivers for implementing sustainability initiatives in Abu Dhabi public sector organisations, which is the core objective of this paper. Given the relatively new and unexplored nature of the research problem, the qualitative research methodology was adopted. In total, 60 semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect data, which was then analysed using content analysis for inference and conclusion. The data analysis revealed five key drivers that have fuelled the need for implementing sustainability initiatives. A complex mix of political, economic, social and environmental forces drives the Abu Dhabi public sector organisations to embed sustainability initiatives. Therefore, before organisations imbed sustainability initiatives they need to understand and recognise key drivers, which are pushing them towards implementation in order for them to be competitive.

Keywords: cost reduction; environmental sustainability; leadership commitment; reputation and sustainability initiatives.

DOI: 10.1504/MEJM.2017.084970

Middle East Journal of Management, 2017 Vol.4 No.2, pp.171 - 184

Received: 03 Dec 2016
Accepted: 16 Jan 2017
Published online: 09 Jul 2017 *

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