Abstract
The procurement function has become a governance agenda in the public sector in Malawi since the enactment of the Public Procurement Act in 2003. However, some studies done elsewhere in this area have revealed that there is little knowledge about the role of the procurement function in the public sectors. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to examine various factors that influence meaningful involvement of the procurement function on procurement processes and the enhancement of compliance levels within the public sectors. Unlike, the procurement function, which is the department comprising of professionals, procurement processes involve initiating the needs by user departments, solicitation of bids and administration of contracts to suppliers. This thesis focused on the importance of public procurement; the way it is perceived; its roles in the Local Government; the challenges it encounters, and how it is aligned with other functions within the Local Government. The empirical data has been collected using case study research strategy.
In- depth case studies were conducted at three major city councils of Blantyre, Lilongwe and Mzuzu. The empirical data that were collected was further analysed using grounded theory approach. The findings of this study have revealed that there is lack of compliance with procurement procedures in the city councils due to poor alignment of the procurement function, lack of professionalism in public procurements, lack of corrective measures for those that breach the procurement laws, negative organization culture, lack of awareness, perceived inefficiency, fear towards losing control, bureaucracy and lack of information technologies. The study also found out that, since the procurement function operates at clerical levels, senior city council authorities do not fully comply with its regulations. Based on these findings, this research has developed a framework for public procurement practitioners, policy-makers and regulators. The study recommends further research in the Central Government to widen knowledge base regarding this phenomenon. Furthermore, research should also be done on supplier relations management to understand its impact on procurement compliance levels