Drivers of and barriers to the adoption of green fleet management practices in Zimbabwe: A case study of the funeral assurance sector

Abstract

Background: For complex fleet operations (e.g. unpredictable routing multiple corpse destinations, longer driver working hours and rough terrains) witnessed in the funeral assurance companies, it is increasingly difficult to strike a balance between cost-effectiveness and reducing environmental impacts. Existing studies do not address this gap on how firms with complex fleet management practices can or should adopt green fleet management (GFM). Against this background, this study explores the organisational constraints faced by companies to go green, as a starting point for effective and sustainable GFM adoption.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the drivers of and barriers to the adoption of sustainable fleet management, particularly in the context of complex transport operations as those prevailing in companies within the funeral assurance sector.

Method: A qualitative research paradigm was adopted, based on a case study of three companies with a sizeable fleet size within the funeral assurance sector in Zimbabwe. We conducted extensive key informant interviews with different management levels of the three companies. Documentary analysis was performed on the legislative framework governing fleet management in Zimbabwe to assess its provision for GFM in Zimbabwe and its effectiveness therefrom.

Results: An analysis of the institutional frameworks for environmental sustainability shows that Zimbabwe has some Acts of parliament that deal with GFM. However, there is a paucity in terms of enforcement. Furthermore, there are no financial or fiscal incentives for the acquisition of a green fleet. Environmental considerations were peripheral in the fleet acquisition, maintenance and disposal decisions.

Conclusion and contribution: Environmental considerations are least prioritised when crafting fleet operations decisions; this is despite the existence of a myriad of Acts of Parliament championing environmental preservation from transport. This article contributes to transport policy and planning by calling for a close examination of the firm specific fleet operational characteristics with a view to develop appropriate strategies for GFM adoption.