Leader-member exchange, moral Identity and procurement ethical behavior in selected public procurement and disposal entities in Uganda

Abstract

The study focused on the relationship between Leader-Member Exchange (LMX), Moral identity and Procurement Ethical Behavior in Public Procurement and Disposal entities (PDEs) in Uganda. This was prompted by the manifestation of degeneration in the ethical behaviour of procurement practitioners in public Procurement and disposal entities in Uganda. The objectives of the study were to examine: the relationship between LMX and procurement ethical behavior, the relationship between moral identity and procurement ethical behavior, the relationship between LMX and moral identity, and the mediating influence of moral identity on the relationship between LMX and ethical behavior. A cross sectitional correlational survey research design was employed, and primary data was collected from 149 respondents from 79 PDEs. Findings from the survey revealed that both LMX and moral identity are significant predictors of procurement ethical behaviour of practitioners in PDEs in Uganda. It was also observed that moral identity partially mediates the relationship between LMX and procurement ethical behaviour. Results from the study indicate that it is important to work on both LMX and Moral identity in PDEs. If means such as training and exposing procurement practitioners to moral indicators and examples, and offering rewards are put in place, the ethical behavior of the practitioners may improve.