Objective: To analyze the commitment to sustainability and sustainable public procurement by individuals, organizations, and the political class, based on the perceptions of agents working in the procurement area.
Theoretical Framework: The main concepts and theories on sustainability and sustainable public procurement (SPP) were presented, as well as the importance of commitment from individuals, public organizations, and the political class for the implementation of these agendas.
Method: A quantitative approach was adopted, using a survey via an electronic questionnaire composed of closed questions with alternatives based on a five-point Likert scale. The sample consisted of 201 public agents working in the procurement area, and statistical analysis of the data was conducted to identify patterns and relationships between the variables regarding the perceptions of public agents.
Results and Discussion: Commitment to sustainability and SPP ranged from moderate to low, with the level of political commitment being lower than organizational commitment, and the latter being lower than individual commitment. At all levels (individual, organizational, and political), the commitment to CPS was lower than the commitment to sustainability. In line with the literature, the individual, organizational, and political commitments perceived in this research may explain the modest progress of these themes in recent years, despite their inclusion in the Brazilian legal framework and the existence of successful practices.
Research Implications: This study points to the need to promote initiatives that can enhance commitment to sustainability and SPP by the agents responsible for implementation, as well as by public organizations and the political class.
Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by addressing commitment to sustainability and SPP in the Brazilian context at different levels - individual, organizational, and political. By identifying patterns and relationships between variables, the research provides important directions for understanding opportunities and challenges associated with promoting sustainability and SPP.