Influence of Supplier Relationship Management on the Implementation of Supply Chain Management Ethics in Government Ministries in Kenya

Justus B. Kinoti¹, Robert Arasa²,  Gichuki A. Waititu³, Wario Guyo⁴

^{1, 3. 4}Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology

²Catholic University of Eastern Africa

Corresponding author Email: rarasa4@gmail.com

Accepted 17 September 2013

Abstract

Supplier relationship management enhances effective communication between procurement management staff in government ministries and this helps in implementation of ethical business practices. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of the supplier relationship management on the implementation of supply chain management ethics in government ministries in Kenya. The study employed a descriptive and correlational survey research designs. The study applied a multistage sampling technique to select the sample size 144 respondents from 21 ministries. Questionnaires were used as the main data collection instruments. Descriptive statistics was used aided by Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) to analyze the quantitative data. The study utilized descriptive and multiple regression analysis to determine the relationship between supplier relationship management and implementation of supply chain management ethics. The study results indicate that the key supplier relationship management issues that influence implementation of supply chain management ethics in government ministries include; the level of commitment in payment of suppliers, supplier development programs, quality of the procurement process, existence of effective communication system with suppliers, application of supplier performance management system and implementation of effective supplier collaboration strategies. The study recommends that for enhanced implementation of supply chain management ethic to be effectively realized, supply chain managers need to put efforts aimed at improving level of commitment in payment of suppliers, employing effective supplier development programs and supplier collaboration strategies.

Keywords: Supplier Relationship Management, Supply Chain Management Ethics