The influence of procurement skills on the cross-functional coordination in public procurement: evidence from Tanzania

Abstract

Currently, there is a growing focus on procurement skills as one of the key variables in explaining crucial outcomes in public procurement. Despite such observations, the relationship between procurement skills and cross-functional coordination is not well articulated to concretize the claimed causal relationship. This study examined the influence of procurement skills on cross-functional coordination in public procuring entities in Tanzania. Data were collected through structured questionnaires from 177 heads of departments found in 11 selected local government authorities in Tanzania. Data were analyzed by using structural equation modeling. The findings reveal that procurement skills in terms of strategic analytical skills, technical tactical skills, as well as interpersonal skills are positive and significant determinants of cross-functional coordination. The findings imply that procurement skills are critical in influencing cross-functional coordination in the procurement process among public entities. This study serves as a wake-up call for procurement managers to improve and update the skills of their staff, particularly procurement professionals. Also, this study fills a gap in the literature that emphasizes internal coordination in procuring entities by contributing to the understanding of the significance of procurement skills in the coordination approach for a more integrated public procurement process.

Keywords:

• Procurement
• strategic analytical skills
• technical tactical skills
• interpersonal skills
• cross-functional coordination

Reviewing Editor:

• Komalsingh Rambaree, Department of Social Work and Criminology, University of Gävle, Gävle, Sweden

Subjects:

• Business, Management and Accounting
• Strategic Management
• Marketing

Author contributions

Gift O. Mushi was involved in the conception and design, analysis, interpretation of the results and drafting of the manuscript under the supervision of Ismail J. Ismail and Alban D. Mchopa who were involved in the review of the manuscript and approval for submission.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

The data used in this study will be made available upon reasonable request.

Additional information

Funding

The University of Dodoma provided funds for the preparation and submission of this manuscript under PhD sponsorship.

Notes on contributors

Gift Onesmo Mushi

Gift Onesmo Mushi is a PhD candidate at the University of Dodoma, Tanzania. She is also an assistant lecturer at the University of Dodoma, Department of Business Administration and Management. Her areas of expertise include public procurement, supply chain management, and logistics management.

Ismail Juma Ismail

Ismail Juma Ismail is a senior lecturer and a researcher in the Department of Business Administration and Management at the University of Dodoma, Tanzania. His areas of research include business management, marketing and entrepreneurship, small and medium enterprise development, agribusiness development, strategic management, business innovation and green development.

Alban Dismas Mchopa

Alban Dismas Mchopa is a senior lecturer at Moshi Co-operative University, Tanzania working in the Department Procurement and Supply Chain Management. He is a certified procurement and supplies professional holding a PhD, Master of Science in Procurement and Supply Chain Management, and Bachelor Degree in Procurement and Supply Management. His areas of interest and expertise in research include public procurement; procurement reforms; electronic procurement; procurement and supply audit; and donor funded procurement.