GEC Public Private Webinar Series: Sustainable Procurement through the Public and Private Sector Lens -- Organizational Motivation and Support
The GEC Public Private webinar series considered organizational motivations that drive public sector and private sector procurement professionals, and then considered how those differing motivations impact the success of their sustainable purchasing efforts. The webinar offered its audience a better understanding of why public and private sector sustainable procurement professional act. Developing a better understanding of organizational motivations, as viewed through the lens of the public and private sector, can help give much needed perspective to practitioners.
The webinar featured the CPO of MN and the FedEx Sourcing Director. The webinar explored key differences between public and private procurement and how these differences influence each sector's ability to effectively pursue sustainable purchasing. Panelists discussed sustainable purchasing initiatives underway in their organizations and then participated in conversation exploring questions such as: 1) What are some fundamental differences between public and private sector procurement? 2) How do differences in motivation, process, and goals influence each sectors ability to be successful when pursuing sustainable purchases? 3) How regulation and corporate policy influence action. Some key takeaways from the conversation included: • A recognition that profit drives the private sector, and regulations and policy geared toward the public good drive the public sector but both sectors have a great deal of freedom to pursue sustainability if leadership supports the endeavor. • In the public sector the best-value approach creates room for finding the sweet spot between statutory requirements and implementation. • In the private sector, when the desire is present an organization can do incredible things very quickly. • In both the public and private sector success is predicated upon inclusive processes, cross department communication, and thoughtful solicitation development.
