Abstract
Despite its crucial role, public procurement often suffers from neglect and disregard until a city or public officer commits the misuse or misappropriation of public funds. As stewards of taxpayers’ dollars, public officers are tasked with traversing the often forked paths of ethicality and legality. These paths manifest in every instance and aspect of life, from acts of impulsiveness to the careful consideration of outcomes. Ultimately, a path must be taken, which will carry a consequence subject to criticism and proportionate to its outcome. Yet, despite this notion, unethical and illegal practices are invariably committed. There are few greater opportunities for corruption than those offered by the public sector, notably in the field of public procurement.
This article delves into the many aspects of procurement in the public sector and sheds light on commonly recorded incidents. Once these occurrences are identified, this article will outline what can be done to mitigate the accompanying consequences. This article focuses on emphasizing what public procurement entails, where the legal and ethical lines are crossed, why those lines are so frequently breached, and what procedures can be utilized to combat policy violations.
Recommended Citation
Flores, Michael A.. . "The Duality of Public Procurement: How Can Cities Engage in Ethical and Legal Procurement Procedures?." Certified Public Manager® Applied Research 5, (1). https://scholarworks.sfasu.edu/cpmar/vol5/iss1/4
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