Corruption is a challenge in business operations, extending its influence across various aspects of the supply chain, including procurement, production, distribution, and marketing. Among these, bribery in procurement stands out as a particularly pressing concern due to its central role in sourcing critical resources. Procurement involves cultivating relationships with suppliers, which, if exploited, can lead to corrupt practices like awarding contracts in exchange for kickbacks or bribes. Additionally, the significant financial transactions associated with procurement make it an attractive target for corrupt activities.

Recent years have witnessed a growing number of corrupt practices within supply chains, commonly referred to as supply chain corruption (SCC) practices. These practices, primarily occurred in procurement processes, bring about financial and reputational consequences for implicated suppliers and buyers. However, there is a significant research gap in exploring SCC, particularly from the perspectives of operations and supply chain management. Although supply chain relationships are fertile grounds for corruption, a comprehensive exploration of this critical domain is lacking.

This PhD thesis addresses both practical and academic imperatives by systematically investigating SCC, with a specific focus on bribery in procurement. The aim of this thesis is to enhance understanding and inform strategies for combating SCC by delving into the antecedents, outcomes, and countermeasures using both qualitative and quantitative methods. This thesis provides valuable knowledge for both practitioners and OSCM scholars, facilitating an enhanced understanding of SCC in procurement, thereby contributing to compliant and ethical operating practices within supply chains and promoting social justice.