ART - A Comparison of Purchasing's Organizational Roles and Responsibilities in the Public and Private Sector 2003

The document discusses a comparison between the roles and responsibilities of purchasing departments in the private sector (CAPS group) and the public sector (FAU-NIGP group). The study found that the FAU-NIGP group had a higher level of involvement in scrap and surplus disposal compared to the CAPS group. This may be due to procedural requirements and the emphasis on the tendering process in the public sector. The study also found that the FAU-NIGP group had a slightly greater involvement in material and purchasing research. The Chief Purchasing Officers (CPOs) in the FAU-NIGP group had a higher percentage of postgraduate degrees compared to the CAPS group. The CPOs in the public sector also had shorter tenure at their current employer but longer tenure in their current position. Public sector CPOs were more likely to report to the finance director, indicating a stronger emphasis on cost and budget control. The study also compared the levels of involvement in team-based purchasing activities, with the CAPS group reporting higher levels of use in four areas and the FAU-NIGP group reporting higher levels in two areas. Additionally, the document mentions that the CAPS group had a stronger focus on involving customers and consortia buying, which may be attributed to their manufacturing orientation. Overall, the document highlights the differences in roles, responsibilities, and organizational structures between purchasing departments in the private and public sectors.