Which option is NOT listed as a common ethics pitfall in public procurement?

Which option is NOT listed as a common ethics pitfall in public procurement?

• A. Bid rigging
• B. Favoritism
• C. Kickbacks
• D. Transparent bidding

Answer: (D)

In ethics of public procurement, the dangerous issues are actions that undermine fairness and open competition. Bid rigging, favoritism, and kickbacks all do that by manipulating who wins contracts or steering awards for personal gain. Transparent bidding, by contrast, is the opposite—it’s about openness, clear criteria, and public visibility of the process, which promotes fair competition and accountability. Because it fosters integrity rather than undermines it, transparent bidding is not a pitfall but a best practice that helps prevent the other unethical behaviors.

In ethics of public procurement, the dangerous issues are actions that undermine fairness and open competition. Bid rigging, favoritism, and kickbacks all do that by manipulating who wins contracts or steering awards for personal gain. Transparent bidding, by contrast, is the opposite—it’s about openness, clear criteria, and public visibility of the process, which promotes fair competition and accountability. Because it fosters integrity rather than undermines it, transparent bidding is not a pitfall but a best practice that helps prevent the other unethical behaviors.