Procurement Ethics Research Articles

Procurement Ethics and Corruption: An Examination of Italy and Zimbabwe

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the procurement ethics and corruption: an examination of Italy and Zimbabwe. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: The study on procurement ethics and corruption in Italy and Zimbabwe reveals significant contrasts between the two countries. In Italy, procurement processes are more structured, with stringent regulations aimed at curbing corruption, yet challenges persist, particularly in the enforcement of these regulations. In contrast, Zimbabwe faces more profound issues with systemic corruption deeply embedded in its procurement practices, exacerbated by weaker institutional frameworks and lack of transparency. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Principal-agent theory, institutional theory & ethical decision-making theory may be used to anchor future studies on analyze the procurement ethics and corruption: an examination of Italy and Zimbabwe. Organizations in both Italy and Zimbabwe should implement robust ethical training programs for procurement officials to promote integrity and accountability. Policymakers in Italy and Zimbabwe should collaborate to develop comprehensive anti-corruption frameworks that address the unique challenges faced in each country’s procurement landscape.

Determinants of Procurement Ethics Among Public Institutions in Ghana: An Empirical Study

Determinants of Procurement Ethics Among Public Institutions in Ghana: An Empirical Study

Influence of Community Pressure on Principals’ Compliance with Procurement Regulations in Public Secondary Schools in Embu County, Kenya

Public procurement has become an issue of public attention and debate, and has been subjected to reforms, restructuring, rules and regulations. Most of developing countries have undertaken strategies to reform their procurement systems. Compliance with public procurement regulations in Kenya continues to be low in public entities despite efforts made by the Public Procurement Oversight Authority (PPOA) to put in place measures to improve compliance. The study sought to analyse the influence of community pressure on Principals’ compliance with procurement regulations in Public Secondary Schools in Embu County. The study employed positivism research paradigm and a cross-sectional descriptive survey research design was adopted. The target population for the study was all the 132 public secondary schools in Embu County consisting of 132 principals, 132 deputy principals, 132 bursars, 1320 suppliers and 660 procurement committee. A sample size of 98 public secondary schools was determined by the Kothari (2013) formula for calculating small sample sizes. A sample of 490 respondents was selected using stratified random sampling by picking 1 principal, 1 deputy principal, 1 bursar, and 1 members of procurement committee and suppliers in each of the 98 secondary schools. Primary data was collected using questionnaires which were pretested for reliability and validity to determine their suitability for use in the study. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics and results presented using charts and tables. Inferential statistics, correlation, multiple regression analysis were used establish the nature and magnitude of the relationships between the variables and to test the hypothesized relationships. Out of the 490 questionnaires administered three hundred and ninety five (395) were returned representing 80.6% response rate. The study indicates that majority of the respondents disagreed that community pressure influenced principals’ compliance with procurement regulations in secondary schools with an aggregate mean score of 2.85 and a standard deviation of 1.237. The null hypothesis tested was that there is no significant influence of community pressure on Principals’ compliance with procurement regulations in Public Secondary Schools in Embu County. Inferential statistics showed that the coefficient of determination was significant with a value of 0.339 and p= 0.000. The t-statistic and corresponding p-value were 10.336 and 0.000 respectively. Therefore, at P < 0.005 level of significance the null hypothesis (H0) is rejected and accepts the alternate hypotheses (HA) implying that there is a significant influence of community pressure on Principals’ compliance with procurement regulations in Public Secondary Schools in Embu County. It therefore, means that when the principals are able to manage the pressures exerted by the community then there are higher chances of the principal to be compliant with the procurement regulations. On the basis of these statistics, the study concludes that there is significant positive relationship between management of community pressure and compliance with procurement regulations. The study concluded that the principals do not succumb to the community pressure to bend the procurement regulations in the public secondary schools to favour suppliers rather they adhere to the guidelines. The suppliers to the schools also induce unethical practices like corrupting the school tendering committee members and therefore strong enforcements of laws should be implemented. The study recommends that there should be strict compliance with government regulations on public procurement since this will assist in checking procurement committee performance in public secondary schools. All schools procurement committee members should strictly adhere to procurement ethics to avoid conflict of interest in procurement matters as this can compromise procurement committee performance in public secondary schools

Analyzing Ethic and Procurement Performance of Humanitarian Organizations in Myanmar

Ethics has become a major concern for every organization. Humanitarian organizations apply different procurement ethics standards and procedures to avoid unethical issues and improve procurement performance. This study analyzes the impact of procurement ethics on performance among the humanitarian organizations in Myanmar. The quantitative research method was used, and 30 procurement officers participated. The findings indicate that procurement ethics have a positive significant impact on procurement performance. Thus, procurement officers and humanitarian organizations must implement ethical standards to promote performance.

EXPOSING E-PROCUREMENT FAILURES IN PREVENTING PROCUREMENT OF GOODS AND SERVICES FRAUD

This study aims to reveal the failure of e-procurement in preventing fraud in the procurement of goods/ services and to explore the essence of meaning behind these fraudulent practices and behaviors. The method used is a qualitative approach using a interpretive phenomenological lens. Data collection involved in-depth interviews with a semi-structured approach to eight informants and analysis of organization documents. Data analysis using a model modified by Sanders. The findings show that the root of the problems in the procurement of goods/ services are political patronage practices and violations of procurement ethics. The procurement budget is likened to a "pizza" which has been cut into several parts and will be distributed by regional heads as patrons to supporting parties as clients. Through political patronage, the selection working group intervened to win the desired provider. These various interventions have weakened the integrity of working group which has resulted in collusion between the working group and providers who are very prone to corruption and ultimately detrimental to state or regional finances. This fraudulent behavior forms a social reality within the organization that is inconsistent with procurement ethics. This study also found that the function of prevention or early warning from the inspectorate had not gone well.

Supplier Relationship Management Practices Procurement Ethics and Supply Chain Performance in County Governments

Purpose:The broad objective was to establish the moderating effect of procurement ethics on the relation between supplier relationship management practices and supply chain performance of Kenyan selected county governments.
 Design/Methodology/Approach:The study employed descriptive survey research design and targeted 112 procurement staff.Stratified and simple random techniques were used. Structured questionnaires were used for data collection. For data analysis descriptive and inferential statistics were utilized.
 Findings:The study found that procurement ethics had a positive and significant moderating effect on the relation between supplier relationship management practices and supply chain performance of Kenyan selected county governments.
 Implications/Originality/Value:The study makes a contribution on the critical role procurement ethics plays in the relationship between supplier relationship management practices and performance of supply chain. County governments should ensure procurement ethics such as integrity, accountability and transparency are adhered to. The findings may guide in the development and implementation of procurement ethics policies.

Legal Certainty in Implementing LPS-LKPP Decisions in Government Procurement of Goods/Services Disputes of Contract

Credible and accountable procurement of goods/services can be carried out if all parties involved in the procurement of goods/services are guided by the provisions that apply based on the principles and ethics of procurement. Issuance of Decree of the Head of LKPP Number 43 of 2017 concerning Development Team for Government Procurement of Goods/Services Procurement Dispute Resolution Services which was basically issued for the purpose of developing the effectiveness of procurement dispute resolution services. Procurement Dispute Resolution Services referred to in the Decree of the Head of LKPP are services provided by LKPP. This study uses a normative juridical research method, namely research which examines theories, concepts, legal principles and legislation related to the settlement of contract disputes for the Government's procurement of goods/services. The results of the study show that the guarantee of legal certainty in the proceedings at the LPS-LKPP on goods/services procurement contract disputes is based on the Government Goods/Services Procurement Policy Agency Regulation No. 18 of 2018 concerning Dispute Resolution Services for Government Procurement of Goods/Services Contracts carried out in a systematic and gradual manner. The Parties must take the path of mediation, conciliation, and then arbitration. Keywords: Legal Certainty, Contract Disputes, Procurement of Goods/Services.

Ethical procurement in Ghana's public sector: implementation challenges in the Bolgatanga Municipality

This study assessed the extent of the implementation of procurement ethics among public entities in the Upper East Region (UER) of Ghana. A descriptive research design was applied. Simple random and purposive sampling techniques were used to select 268 respondents composed of senior managers, heads of departments, section heads and procurement officers of the selected public entities across the region. The quantitative data was collected through an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data was keyed into CSPro 7.4, transferred to version 28 of SPSS and analysed. A chi-square was applied to test the relationship among the elements of procurement ethics in selected public entities in the region. The study established that law enforcement and health sector public entities ranked highest in the implementation of ethical procurement practices whiles those in the educational sector ranked lowest. The study found a significant association between procurement ethical factors such as accountability and transparency, conformity to laws and ethical standards, conflict of interest, confidentiality and impartiality and fairness. No association was found for honesty and integrity, avoidance of appearance of impropriety, due diligence and professionalism as confirmed from their respective p-values.

Analysis of Procurement Process Compliance and Procurement Performance. A Case of Districts in the Northern Province, Rwanda (2018-2019)

The study examined the relationship between procurement process compliance and procurement performance of public procuring entities in Rwanda. The objective of the study was to assess the effects of procurement planning on procurement performance; to assess the effects of procurement sourcing and contract management on procurement performance and to assess the effects of procurement transparency on procurement performance of public procuring entities in Rwanda. A descriptive survey research design was adopted using quantitative methods and used closed ended questionnaire as a data collection instrument. The study targeted 94 respondents from five districts located in the northern province of Rwanda. Purposive and stratified sampling techniques were used to select respondents. Data was then analyzed on quantitative basis using Pearson’s correlation, multiple linear regression analysis and descriptive statistics. The regression model used was LogY= ?o + ?1LogXit1 + ?2LogXiit2 + ?3LogXiiit3 + ?t and multiple R (correlation) value obtained was 0.995 (99.5%). The model summary depicted from the regression analysis with multiple R (correlation) value of 0.995 (99.5%) indicated a highly positive relationship between the dependent and independent variables and, the overall contribution of the independent variables: procurement plan (P1), Procurement process (P2), and procurement transparency (or P3) to the procurement performance (or P4) which accounted for 99.04% (R2 = 0.9904) of the variation in the procurement performance. The research concluded that procurement planning, procurement process compliance and procurement ethics in public procurement had a great significance on procurement performance which led to confirm the relationship between capacity building in procurement and regulatory compliance of government Procurement entities in Rwanda. As a recommendation, procuring entities should continue to focus more on ensuring compliance to procurement regulations in public procurement to ensure a sustainable procurement performance.

Influence of Procurement Ethics on the Performance of Devolved Systems of Governments in Kenya

Influence of Procurement Ethics on the Performance of Devolved Systems of Governments in Kenya

Analisis Faktor-Faktor Yang Mempengaruhi Fraud Pengadaan Barang Dan Jasa Di Pemerintahan Desa

Advancing villages can be seen from the existence of village assistance which is increased every year and followed by an appropriate governance system in accordance with regulations or laws. However, village financial management that has not been optimal causes fraud in the field of procurement of goods and services. This study aims to examine the effect of the quality of the procurement committee, procurement ethics, procurement committee compensation, procurement systems and procedures as well as the procurement environment on fraud procurement of goods and services. The research conducted in Badung . 60 people used as respondents. Data analysis techniques used multiple linear regression. The quality of the procurement committee, procurement ethics, procurement systems and procedures have negative effect, but the compensation of the procurement committee and the procurement environment does not affect the procurement of goods and services fraud.
 Keywords: Ethics and Procurement Environment, Procurement Committee Compensation, Procurement Systems and Procedures, Fraud.

Ethics in Procurement: A Case Study in a Logistic Company

This paper is part of a preliminary study for the awareness of ethical behaviors in procurement process specifically in a logistic company in Malaysia. Ethic is a critical behavior in a business transaction where most of the people misconduct the behavior unintentionally. The objective of this preliminary study is to get an insight view of a logistic case company, where it is found that ethics is being implemented in the daily procurement process. A structured interview question with various research of past problems concerning ethical behavior addresses the responsiveness of employees behaving ethically by following the ethical guidelines set by the company. This paper proposes that the company need to emphasize the importance of implementation of ethics and also create more awareness by having an official ethical guidelines of the company, despite the fact that the company is small and has a small number of employees. The company has gained many benefits such as cost reduction and maintaining a company-supplier relationship through the implementation of ethics in procurement.

Ethics and Procurement Performance of Humanitarian Organizations in Kenya

The purpose of this study is to establish the relationship between ethics and procurement performance of humanitarian organizations in Kenya. The study draws on data from 70 humanitarian organizations and makes use of multiple regression models to deduce the relationship. Findings show that humanitarian organizations in Kenya follow procurement ethics code. Further work is needed to examine the relationship between ethics and procurement performance of humanitarian organizations in Africa as this would give a wide range of conclusions and recommendations. Future studies could relate the independent variables used in this study to cost reduction strategy instead of agility strategy addressed herein. The results indicate that ethics is shaping up today’s humanitarian picture by ensuring that donors and other interested parties have confidence in supporting the humanitarian cause. This is the first paper to systematically analyze relationship between ethics and procurement performance of humanitarian organizations in Kenya.

Faktor-Faktor yang Berhubungan dengan Fraud Pengadaan Barang/Jasa di Lembaga Publik

The purpose of this study was to test whether the variable quality of the procurement committee of goods/services, quality of the patners goods/ services, systems and procedures for procurement of goods/services, ethical procurement of goods/services, environmental goods/services, and risk assessment have an influence on the procurement fraud goods/services in University. This study using survey method by distributing questionnaires in Asset Management and Maintenance Directorate of the University with the involvement of officials making commitments (PPK) totaling 3, the committee procurement of goods/services amounted to 22 people, and committee work proceeds amounted to 25 examiners. The gathered data wa s analyzed using multiple regressions in SPSS software. The result showed that the quality of procurement commite, supplier’s quality, procurement system and procedure, and risk assesment had negatively influenced toward fraud in the procurement goods/services. Meanwhile, the procurement ethics and frameworks did not have influence d toward fraud in the procurement goods/services

Managing Small to Medium Enterprises Suppliers in Developing Countries- A Case of SMEs in Harare, Zimbabwe

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the challenges which are being experienced between the buying organizations and the Small to Medium Enterprises Suppliers (SMEs) in the Supply Chain in Zimbabwe. Objectives of the study are to assess the role of SMEs in the economic development, to analyze challenges faced when dealing with SMEs in procurement, to identify factors that hinder SMEs from being reliable partners in supply chain, and to come up with strategies for ensuring that SMEs become reliable partners in supply chain. This study adopted a qualitative research design because it provided flexibility and afforded the researcher the opportunity to conduct an in-depth research. The population for this study was made up of 595 SMEs suppliers in the Harare central business district (CBD) and 20 officials from the Small Enterprises Development Corporation (SEDCO). This study used stratified random sampling technique when selecting participants from SMEs suppliers while SEDCO officials were selected using simple random sampling. The study showed that SMEs were important to the economic development of Zimbabwe and there was a need for companies to support them through procurement. Nevertheless, it was held that SMEs suppliers were very unreliable, provides poor quality materials and performed below standard. The study revealed that ignorance about the importance of accounting information, lack of capacity, and lack of separation between ownership and management of SMEs hindered some organizations from being accountable. It is recommended that adoption of professional procurement ethics is important, need for supplier evaluation, effective communication, and the need for SMEs to formalize their business operations and maintain accounting records. There is a need for separation of ownership and control of business affairs. This would ensure more accountability.

Public versus private sector procurement ethics and strategy: what each sector can learn from the other

The government purchasing market constitutes the largest business sector in the world. While marketers would benefit from a deep understanding of both sectors, how the two sectors differ in terms of ethics and strategy largely remains unknown. The purpose of this research, therefore, is to explore differences between the for-profit and not-for-profit sectors on two critical aspects of business-to-business procurement: ethics and strategy. Using survey data from a sample of 328 procurement professionals in the for-profit and not-for-profit sectors, key differences are explored. Findings suggest that buyers in the for-profit sector are more likely to behave opportunistically. Conversely, the buyers’ leaders in the not-for-profit sector behave more opportunistically and are more willing to turn a blind eye to their subordinate buyers’ opportunistic behaviors. In addition, key differences in procurement strategy are unveiled suggesting that not-for-profit procurement practices have some room for improvement. Based on the findings, theoretical and managerial implications are drawn, and a future research agenda is proposed.

Public Versus Private Sector Procurement Ethics and Strategy: What Each Sector can Learn from the Other

The government purchasing market constitutes the largest business sector in the world. While marketers would benefit from a deep understanding of both sectors, how the two sectors differ in terms of ethics and strategy largely remains unknown. The purpose of this research, therefore, is to explore differences between the for-profit and not-for-profit sectors on two critical aspects of business-to-business procurement: ethics and strategy. Using survey data from a sample of 328 procurement professionals in the for-profit and not-for-profit sectors, key differences are explored. Findings suggest that buyers in the for-profit sector are more likely to behave opportunistically. Conversely, the buyers’ leaders in the not-for-profit sector behave more opportunistically and are more willing to turn a blind eye to their subordinate buyers’ opportunistic behaviors. In addition, key differences in procurement strategy are unveiled suggesting that not-for-profit procurement practices have some room for improvement. Based on the findings, theoretical and managerial implications are drawn, and a future research agenda is proposed.

Psychological climate, catharsis, organizational anomie, psychological wellness and ethical procurement behaviour in ugandaʼs public sector

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between psychological climate, catharsis, organizational anomie, psychological wellness and ethical procurement behaviour in Ugandaʼs public sector, in order to understand better the conditions that foster or diminish procurement ethics in a developing country. Data for this study were collected from a sample of 1100 respondents out of which 460 usable questionnaires, representing a 42% response rate were received and analyzed. Results reveal that psychological climate, procurement planning and organizational anomie were significant predictors, accounting for 64% of the variance in ethical procurement behaviour. These results have both policy and managerial implications which we present and discuss in this paper.

Pardon My Asking: What's New?

The article by Delaney and Hershenov (2009) is now part of the ever-growing literature on organ procurement ethics. While others may take them to task on various aspects of their general argument, ...

The ethics of transplantation today and tomorrow: Old wine in new bottles

I ' N 1954 AT THE Peter Bent Brigham Hospital . in Boston, Massachusetts, a kidney was removed from a young boy and given to his identical twin brother. An operat|on that would strike most transplant teams as mundane today was, only-four decades ago, considered to be so far out on the fringe of surgical innovation that it spawned an enormous debate about the morality of performing such an extreme experiment. Surprisingly, the moral issue that held center stage at the birth of organ transplantation was not the dangers that the recipient faced in undergoing surgery. The question that commanded attention was whether it was ethical to remove an organ from a child solely to benefit another child. Much has changed in the intervening four decades not only in the field of transplantation but also in ethical thinking about the practice of transplantation. Still, as the transplant communi ty struggles to find answers to the problem of scarcity in the supply of organs, the ethics of procurement has reappeared as the single most important issue in transplantation ethics. The early surgical pioneers and their patients faced tremendous technical challenges. Their only source of organs was living donors. No one knew whether human organs removed from dead bodies would regain function. Even if they could, it was not clear what had to be done to safely procure them. Donors and recipients had to be close biological relatives because there were no effective drugs available to prevent rejection. Identical twins or closely related siblings were the only candidates for transplants. The strongest restriction facing early transplant pioneers was not biological but moral. The only organs deemed acceptable for transplant were kid-