The impact of ethical practices in procurement performance in Tanzania

Abstract

iv ABSTRACT The study assessed the impact of ethical practices in procurement performance in Tanzania, a case of TARURA in Arusha region. In this study, descriptive research design was used while interview, documentary review and questionnaires were used as the methods in data collection. Yamen formula was used to get the sample of 36 from the target population of 69 staffs (user departments, Accounting Officer, auditors, and Procurement officers) working in TARURA in Arusha region. Both qualitative and quantitative methods of data analysis were used to analyze the gathered data. The quantitative data generated was analyzed by use of descriptive statistics feature in SPSS version 16, while qualitative data were analyzed through content analysis. The study findings concluded that conflict of interests influence organization performance in TARURA - Arusha. This was witnessed through nepotism, personal gain and political influence. The study concluded that professionalism influences organization performance in TARURA- Arusha. This was witnessed through employing procurement staffs that have been certified by the professional body, the PE must employ procurement staffs from the recognized institutions, organization employ staffs who are competent and experience. Lastly, the study concluded that transparency influences organization performance in TARURA- Arusha. In this regard, transparency in public procurement means that information on the public procurement process must be available to everyone like suppliers, service providers, contractors and the public at larger, unless there are valid and legal reasons to keep certain information confidential. The study recommends that the government through the public procurement bodies such as PPRA and PSPTB should put much efforts on capacity buildings, trainings and monitoring to the TARURA- Arusha procurement officers, PE should ensure that procurement officers with lower level of education to be upgraded for further education. Also, TARURA- Arusha should employ procurement staffs who are certified and registered by PSPTB, these professionals are expecting to perform their duty in ethical manner. There is a need for the TARURA- Arusha to develop their own internal ethical control mechanisms rather than depending on the broad framework which may not cater for the interests and context of the specific procuring entity. Also, regular seminars and workshop could be the best way to minimize unethical behaviours