Influence of Ethical Sourcing Practices on Performance of Teachers Service Commission of Kenya

Ethical sourcing practices are acceptable standards that professionals in the supply chain management should adopt to ensure sustainable institutional operations. There is more emphasis on ethical sourcing in Kenyans public procurement system since the enactment of the new constitution 2010. However, sourcing in the commission is marked with unethical practices. These ethical malpractices may damage the state agencies’ performance; undermine public confidence in governments’ leadership and governance. The purpose of the study was to analyze the influence of ethical sourcing practices on performance of Teachers Service Commission of Kenya. The study's objectives were to examine the influence of transparency practices on TSC performance, assess influence of integrity practices on performance of TSC and, to evaluate influence of accountability practices on performance of TSC. The study was guided by three theories namely: Deontological theories-Kantian ethics, Teleological theories-utilitarianism and Dynamic capabilities theory. The target population comprised of 1351 TSC secretariat staff from among seven TSC directorates and Supply Chain Management Services (SCMS). Stratified proportionate sampling was used to select a sample of 239 employees. A descriptive research design was adopted in the study. Data was collected using a semi - structured questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. Presentation was in form of percentages, frequencies, and tables. Key findings of study included: A response rate of 96.2 % was realized found to be adequate and sufficient to undertake data analysis. Majority of the respondents strongly agreed that the commission had embraced ethical sourcing practices (Transparency, integrity and accountability) and had consequently improved its customer’s satisfaction levels. The study recommends adoption of ethical sourcing practices by organizations so as to optimize their operations. The researcher recommends a similar study on other organizations both private and public based on the study’s findings, shareholders, management and policy makers in the public service sector and other sectors can make informed decisions on the ethics and organization performance. To uphold research ethics, permission to collect data was sought from the University, NACOSTI as well as Teachers’ service commission. Keywords: Transparency Practices, Integrity Practices, Accountability Practices, Teachers Service Commission