Abstract:
Currently, there is a growing focus on procurement skills as one of the key variables in
explaining crucial outcomes in public procurement. Despite such observations, the
relationship between procurement skills and cross-functional coordination is not well
articulated to concretize the claimed causal relationship. This study examined the
influence of procurement skills on cross-functional coordination in public procuring
entities in Tanzania. Data were collected through structured questionnaires from 177
heads of departments found in 11 selected local government authorities in Tanzania.
Data were analyzed by using structural equation modeling. The findings reveal that
procurement skills in terms of strategic analytical skills, technical tactical skills, as well
as interpersonal skills are positive and significant determinants of cross-functional
coordination. The findings imply that procurement skills are critical in influencing
cross-functional coordination in the procurement process among public entities. This
study serves as a wake-up call for procurement managers to improve and update the
skills of their staff, particularly procurement professionals. Also, this study fills a gap in
the literature that emphasizes internal coordination in procuring entities by contributing
to the understanding of the significance of procurement skills in the coordination
approach for a more integrated public procurement process.
