The relationship between ethical procurement, corporate image and procurement efficiency in public sector procurement: A case of public entities in Bindura

Abstract

The study focused on analyzing the relationship between ethical procurement practices, corporate image and procurement efficiency.  The research study was underpinned by the positivism research philosophy. The study population comprised of employees from  procurement and finance departments within government entities in Bindura. Precisely, 120 respondents were eligible to participate in  the study. The sample size of this research was determined using the Raosoft Sample Size Calculator. According to this method, given the  target population of 120 and a margin of error of 5% based on 95% confidence level, with a response distribution of 50%, the  minimum recommended sample size for this study was 73. The analysis of data was carried out on the Statistical Package for Social  Science (SPSS version 21) and involved the use of descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation and logistic regression analysis. The findings  revealed that ethical procurement practices such as due diligence, transparency, fairness, compliance, confidentiality and integrity have a  positive statistically significant effect on the corporate image and resultantly on procurement efficiency. Incorporating these practices  throughout the procurement cycle would ensure improved quality of output, timeliness of delivery of product, profitability and  sustainability. The study recommends that instead of relying solely on the broad legislative framework, which might not take into account  the interests and circumstances of the particular institution, public procurement bodies should create their own internal ethical  control procedures.