Human-centered barriers to green supply chain management in fossil fuel-dependent logistics systems: an ISM-based analysis

Introduction Green supply chain management (GSCM) barriers are widely documented, yet prior studies often treat them as isolated constraints rather than interdependent drivers within transition systems. This limitation is particularly relevant in fossil-fuel-dependent logistics systems. Methods This study employs a mixed-method design combining survey data from logistics professionals in Saudi Arabia with interpretive structural modeling (ISM) and MICMAC analysis to identify hierarchical relationships among GSCM barriers. Results The results reveal that human capability, training, and managerial support function as primary driver barriers influencing technological, financial, and policy-related constraints. Technological and financial barriers act as linkage factors, while policy-related barriers emerge as dependent outcomes. Discussion These findings demonstrate that sustainability challenges in fossil-fuel-dependent logistics systems are structurally interdependent rather than independent obstacles. The study highlights the importance of addressing human and organizational capabilities as upstream drivers to enable effective sustainability transitions.