Policies Versus Politics: Which is the more important determinant of public sector supplier selection decisions in Nigeria

Government policy requirements and external political influence are two important factors that have been associated with public procurement processes, but only few studies considered their relative effect on supplier selection outcomes in emerging markets. Using Nigerian sector firms as research setting, this study aimed to empirically determine which of these is more important/influential explaining decisions. Data were obtained from a purposeful sample 342 senior level staff drawn 40 via structured self-administered questionnaires. Result regression analysis shows the importance attached government policies during decisions, considerations for interests politicians predominate process. In other words, though important, measures at constraining behaviour will continue appear ineffective face inordinate The implications study's finding prospective investors makers, well suggestions further research, also discussed.