Procurement Ethics

Literature Review on Procurement Ethics

In the Encyclopedia of Public Administration and Public Policy, [1] David Seth Jones offers the following summary about the topic of Procurement Ethics: The term “ethics” in this entry is used in the widest sense, to refer to the range of moral responsibilities exercised by governments to procure goods, services, and public works, which affect suppliers/contractors, end-user departments and their clientele, and the public at large. These responsibilities involve fairness in the treatment of suppliers/contractors, interpreted in contrasting senses: a) fairness based on merit or desert meaning equal and open competition; b) fairness based on need justifying affirmative action in favor of national suppliers/contractors or those drawn from disadvantaged groups. It is also the responsibility of the government to provide value for money both to the end users and the public at large by procuring high-quality goods, services, and works at the lowest price. A further responsibility, based on the avoidance of harm principle, is to ensure that suppliers/contractors do not jeopardize the safety of their employees (especially important in public works contracts), and also enhance rather than harm the environment in the products and facilities they provide (what may be termed sustainable procurement). In addition, government agencies and suppliers/contractors who are awarded procurement contracts are morally and legally bound to honor contractual obligations. Needless to say it is vital that probity is upheld in the procurement process and corrupt dealings such as bribery, embezzlement, cronyism, nepotism, and fraud are prevented or deterred. To ensure these responsibilities are adhered to, it is necessary for the procurement process to be as transparent as possible ensuring that all relevant information relating to a procurement and its outcome is publicized.

Resources

Notes and References

1. Entry about Procurement Ethics in the Encyclopedia of Public Administration and Public Policy (2015, Routledge, Oxford, United Kingdom)

See Also

Further Reading

• Global Encyclopedia of Public Administration, Public Policy, and Governance (2018, Springer International Publishing, Germany)