Contract Matters: Procurement and Ethics / Business and Ethics

There is a great need in both business and procurement to have clear policies on ethical practices. We need to be able to 'walk the walk and talk the talk'. We need to have a transparent and fair process – in business and in procurement.

Do you have concerns about ethical behaviours? Do you have an effective Code of Ethics – with consequences covering issues such as bribery, corruption and other unethical behaviours. Yes, great. No? Then this book is for you which provides the words for an effective Code.

We need to be clear that bribery and corruption is not acceptable ever. Abiding by Procurement Principles of transparency, accountability, integrity, value for money, fairness and openness can provide a benchmark to operate from. Equally we need to take personal responsibility for our actions as well as our work responsibility.

The book looks at:

1. Business ethics.
2. Procurement ethics and principles.
3. The need for Code of Ethics.

As well as the need for induction programmes, training etc. Training options are covered which can be easily adapted and implemented.

Both buyers and suppliers have a role to play and it is up to buyers to be clear as to expectations of ethical behaviour. Suppliers should also ensure that their supply chain behaves ethically!.

Having clear guidelines and a Code of Ethics is essential. However, we need to be clear as to consequences of unethical behaviour – not only the mechanism but also the carry through.

Reporting is key and promotion of positive supplier actions should occur. Publicity surrounding poor supplier actions should also occur. This shows that procurement staff have a zero tolerance to this issue.

The book covers the need for zero tolerance and discusses whether organisations/people should get a second chance. Should they?

Margaret Gilbert, Director, Corporate Contracts Management Ltd, has worked in the contract/ procurement area for 22 years both in New Zealand and internationally. She has experience working within Government, Local Government and Private industry over a wide ranging of business fields.

Margaret is a New Zealand consultant assisting in the complex contract world by looking at the ‘whole of life’ contract world and working with both one on one and larger groups. We assist our clients with being able to be ready for the contractual process.

We undertake training both domestically and internationally when asked to do so as well as speaking at conferences.

Margaret has written numerous Contract Matters books: A Practical Guide to the Contractual Process, Contract Matters: A Practical Guide for Suppliers, Contract Matters: Negotiation, Contzact Matters: Contract Strategies/Strategic Contracts, Contract Matters: A Practical Guide for Buyers, Contract Matters: Winning Contracts through effective Proposal Responses.

In addition she has written Contract Matters: A Practical Guide to the Contractual Process specifically for countries within Asia, the Pacific, Europe, United States of America, Canada, The Russian Federation, China, India/Pakistan, Central and South America and others. The full list of books can be found here.