Institutional Isomorphism, Institutional Logics, Procurement Competencies and SME Engagement in Public Procurement Transactions in Uganda

Abstract

The study aimed at SMEs engagement in public procurement transactions in Uganda. The study employed a cross sectional research design using a sample size of 364out of 6247SMEs registered with PPDA in Kampala district. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires to collect data from the respondents The results revealed significant positive relationships between; institutional isomorphism and SMEs engagement public procurement transactions, institutional isomorphism and procurement competencies, procurement competencies and SME engagement in public procurement transactions, institutional logics and procurement competencies and institutional logics and SME engagement in public procurement transactions in Uganda. In addition, results revealed that institutional logics and institutional isomorphism are significant predictors of SMEs engagement in public procurement. However, procurement competencies are not significant predictors of SMEs involvement in public procurement. Hence recommend that SMEs should improve on institutional norms of professionalism, market and commercial logics as well as institutional pressures of following rules and regulations, professionalism and mimicking successful organizations in order to be fully engaged in public procurement transactions in Uganda.