An inevitable dialogue of professional ethics – an enlightenment perception of upholding professional ethics in public procurement jobs

Purpose - This study aims to analyze the elements of professionalism in general and public procurement. This study also seeks to answer the main research question about the availability of professional standards in public procurement. This study also presents the debate among researchers and scholars regarding the professionalization of public procurement by presenting the trends favoring professionalizing public procurement and those opposing it. Design/methodology/approach - This study relied mainly on the descriptive approach to compare the study concepts of profession, professionalism and professionalization and differentiate between them by explaining their similarities and differences. The analytical approach was also used to review the literature. Findings - Based on sound scientific knowledge and educational background, this study demonstrated the existence of theoretical foundations that can be taught and relied upon in academic programs. This was shown by the existence of a bachelor’s degree in public procurement sciences in some countries, even if there are few, as well as master’s and doctoral degrees in many countries. It has also been proven that institutes specialize in training and qualifying workers in public procurement to increase professionalism. Social implications - This paper will help identify the professional standards for public procurement jobs and the extent to which it can be considered a profession. Originality/value - This paper attempts to present the professional standards in the public procurement function, as this point is considered to have a gap in the literature related to public procurement. Much of the literature deals with professional standards in public administration, but there needs to be more literature that deals with these standards in public procurement.