Setting Goals Aligned with Values in Public Procurement

Setting clear, measurable goals is essential for success in public procurement. Yet, to lead a thriving procurement organization, these goals must be aligned with the organization's and its people's core values. This alignment ensures that the pursuit of efficiency, cost savings, and compliance does not overshadow the ethical and transparent standards that public procurement professionals are sworn to uphold.

As Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Your beliefs become your thoughts, your thoughts become your words, your words become your actions, your actions become your habits, your habits become your values, your values become your destiny.” Values are the foundation of our behaviors and decisions, and for public procurement professionals, aligning goals with values can lead to sustainable success while fostering public trust.

The Importance of Values in Public Procurement

Public procurement professionals are entrusted with the responsible management of taxpayer dollars, and that responsibility should reflect deeply held values such as integrity, transparency, accountability, and fairness. When procurement goals are set without considering these values, it can lead to decisions that may be efficient in the short term but damaging in the long run—both to the organization’s reputation and the trust of the public it serves.

Goals should focus not only on achieving specific outcomes, such as savings or efficiency improvements but also on how these outcomes are achieved. For example, a procurement team that integrates the value of transparency into its goal-setting process will ensure that procurement activities are clear, open to scrutiny, and accessible to all relevant stakeholders.

As Albert Einstein wisely stated, “Try not to become a man of success. Rather become a man of value.” In public procurement, success is not merely about executing contracts effectively—it’s about ensuring that every action taken is grounded in ethical principles that reflect the organization's broader mission.

Aligning Goals with Organizational Values

Aligning goals with values begins with a clear understanding of both. Organizations should take time to define their core values and ensure they are communicated across teams. Once values are established, goals should be developed with them in mind. For instance, if your organization values innovation, one of the goals could be to implement technology that not only streamlines procurement processes but also promotes transparency and improves vendor relationships.

“Values are like fingerprints. Nobody’s are the same, but you leave them all over everything you do,” said Elvis Presley. In procurement, the fingerprints of our values are reflected in every negotiation, contract, and decision. Goals aligned with values serve as a roadmap to ensuring that the team not only meets expectations but exceeds them while adhering to high ethical standards.

Moving Forward

Setting values-aligned goals requires discipline, reflection, and consistent communication with your team. Procurement professionals must always be mindful of the broader implications of their work. By setting goals that reflect your organization’s values, you build a procurement function that meets performance metrics and fosters trust, accountability, and long-term success.

In the words of C.S. Lewis, “Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.” Public procurement professionals are in a unique position where their actions often occur behind the scenes, but their impact is felt across entire communities. By aligning goals with values, you ensure that your work achieves results and reflects the ethical commitment that public service demands. Doing so leaves a legacy of trust, transparency, and excellence in public procurement.