Circular economy practices of health care facilities: Does organizational culture play a role?

Purpose This study examines the role of organizational culture in driving circular economy (CE) practices within healthcare facilities, particularly in managing single-use medical devices. The research responds to rising healthcare waste challenges in developing countries and limited empirical evidence on how organizational culture converts CE education into practice. Design/methodology/approach A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted using structural equation modelling (SEM). The sample frame comprised healthcare professionals from teaching and non-teaching hospitals across three regions of Ghana (Ashanti, Western and Northern). Using purposive and convenience sampling, 125 questionnaires were distributed to facility heads, administrators, medical doctors and nurses, yielding 100 valid responses (80% response rate). Findings Organizational culture has a strong and statistically significant influence on CE practices (ß = 0.786, p < 0.001) and on the application of CE principles to single-use medical devices (ß = 0.703, p < 0.001). It also significantly mediates the relationship between CE education and CE practices (indirect ß = 0.189, p < 0.001). The model demonstrates high explanatory power, accounting for 83.3% (R2 = 0.833) of the variance in CE practices and 76.7% (R2 = 0.767) in CE application to single-use devices. Research limitations/implications The findings extend institutional theory by evidencing culture as a key mechanism enabling CE adoption. Practical implications Healthcare managers should embed CE principles within organizational culture through leadership commitment, staff engagement and structured training. Originality/value The study provides robust empirical evidence from a developing country context that organizational culture is the central mechanism through which CE education translates into practice.