Mrs R.

Samsodien
Student id: 121638
Date:May 2014
Lecturers name: Mr Ramsing
Module: Integrity in Procurement & Supply (PROC 2410)
Question: with reference to the Code of Conduct for public officials elaborate on three
values which impact on Procurement & Supply to select 3 values that are not
mentioned in the PPA.
Answer:
A code of conduct is a set of rules or a protocol that explains how people should conduct
them. It often consists of things to do in certain situations and requires certain behaviours.
It also includes any responsibilities or practices that an organisation feels necessary for its
mission.
A code of conduct performs several roles for an organisation. For instance:
It acts as a way to respond to certain problems that may emerge for the
organisation.
It acts as a public face for the organisation to outside people.
It can also be used as a reference when asked a question about why an organisation
wants to do something or about what they are going to do.

Some benefits of a code of conduct for an organisation are:
The organisation uses its code of conduct to compare itself with other organisations.
It can be used to increase publicity for the organisation and attract new customers to
help the organisation to grow.
It can act as damage control. If a situation occurs that puts the organisation in a bad
light the company can try to spin the situation in terms of an attempt to follow their
own code of conduct.

The code of ethics for public officers set out the standards of correct conduct expected of
public officers. It emphasises the importance of a responsible, responsive and caring Civil
Service and is intended to promote effective administration and responsible behaviour.
Its guiding principles are designed to maintain and enhance values that inspire trust and
confidence in the integrity of public officers. It provides the direction to achieve the highest
standards of ethical conduct. The three guiding principles of the code are:


i) Public officers shall;
a) Fulfil their lawful obligations to the Government with professionalism,
integrity and loyalty
b) Perform their official duties honestly, faithfully and efficiently while
respecting the rights of the public and their colleagues.
c) Not bring the Civil Service into disrepute through their private activities.

ii) This code rests upon a number of core values to inspire public confidence and
trust, for instance;
Integrity
Selflessness
Impartiality
Objectivity
Accountability
Openness
Honesty
Justice

iii) This code sets the standards of personal and professional behaviour expected of
public officers.
iv) The priority of public officers is to carry out Government policy and fulfil their
lawful obligations to the government with professionalism and integrity.
v) Public officers should observe political neutrality and serve the government of
the day.
vi) Public officers have the obligation to uphold the public interest and maintain
public confidence and trust.
vii) Public officers should avoid and prevent situations that could give rise to conflict
of interests.
viii) Public officers shall not be engaged in any outside employment, remuneration
unless prior approval from responsible officer.
ix) Public officers shall protect the confidentiality and proprietary information.
x) Public officers shall ensure that Government assets are not misused
xi) Public officers shall not solicit or accept gifts or other benefits which might
compromise their integrity and that of their organization.
Public procurement & supply is a core activity in every type of government organisation. In
view of the substantial amount of money involved, the risk of encountering corruption can
be significant and may occur at each phase of the procurement cycle. It is therefore
imperative to breed and maintain an ethical culture in the workplace. It is the duty of all
public officials, but particularly those involved in procurement activities to exhibit the
highest ethical standards and maintain an impeachable standard of integrity in all business
relationships, both internally and externally. Public officials involved in procurement &
supply process are expected to perform their functions lawfully, honestly and fairly. In
particular they are expected not to abuse the powers and resources available to them and
to avoid conflicts between their personal interest and official duties.
For the purpose of this assignment, I will elaborate on
1. Rule of law
2. Professionalism
3. Equity and fairness

1. Rule of law
The first element of the rule of law is that laws must be obeyed by all. Compliance to laws
and regulations therefore ensure predictability and order, and act as a stabilizing force to
minimize opportunities for corruption, fraud and malpractices.
Ethical behaviours;
The public procurement and supply officers shall;
Comply with applicable laws, regulations, directives and circulars governing
procurement of goods, services and works.
Develop and adhere to appropriate procurement policy and procedures that
incorporate and promote probity principles (the quality of having strong moral
principles; honesty and decency).
Condemn and take appropriate action against any illegal or criminal acts or acts in
violation of public bodys or Procurement Policy Offices policies and rules
Respect the terms and conditions of payment to suppliers as set out in the bidding
documents.




2. Professionalism
Public officials involved in procurement require a broad range of skills and competence in
the field of procurement which is continuously evolving. A professional approach positively
impacts on the organisation and gains respect from all stake holders. Professional
development requires continuing education
Ethical Behaviours:
The public procurement and supply officers shall;
Align systems and procedures to best practices in fulfilment of their duties and
ensure timely dissemination of latest changes to all parties concerned
Commit them to continuous improvement in order to perform to the best of their
capabilities.
Ensure that the organisational systems are if the highest standards4strive to reduce
lead time, costs and improve quality outcomes to ensure a more efficient and
effective procurement
Establish people management policies with the highest level of professionalism.
Undertake secondary employment only after prior approval has been obtained from
the employer and ensure that it does not conflict with their official duties.
Ensure the proper dissemination of guidelines and circulars on the procurement
process to all relevant personnel.

3. Equity and fairness
Sound public procurement is based on fairness and equity. These involve equal
opportunities and procedural fairness to all bidders at all stages of the procurement
process. When bidders believe the process to be prejudiced or the outcomes tainted by
bias, they may lose faith and confidence in the system.
Ethical Behaviours:
The public procurement and supply officers shall;
Choose an appropriate method of procurement for each procurement
Ensure that a reasonable time is given to bidders to prepare and submit their bids
and all bidders are actually given the same amount of time
Ensure that specifications are not worked out in such a manner as to suit any
particular supplier
Ensure that the process, qualification and evaluation criteria are determined in such
a war as to enable firms of all sizes to compete fairly and equitably
Apply the measures and procedures established as incentives to local bidders and
small and medium enterprises
Ensure that bids are examined and evaluated in accordance with criteria as set in the
bid documents
Encourage competitive bidding to provide equal opportunities for all interested
parties to participate in public contracting and thus achieving best value for money
Abide by the challenge and review mechanism.

Conclusion
A code of conduct is an important tool that helps decisions on complicated ethical issues
and provides at the same time the basis for an environment where citizens are aware of the
basic standards of behaviour to be expected from officials involved in the procurement &
supply process. However, a successful code of conduct requires an effective
implementation which includes a proper endorsement, integration and circulation of the
code.
Management has the responsibility to oversee its implementation. For instance
Compare the behaviours of their employees and see if they act according to the
principles.
Violation of the code of conduct can be subjected to disciplinary consequences such
as warnings, severe reprimands, and so on.