Global Perspectives on Corruption in Public Procurement: Unveiling an Integrated Systemic and Behavioral Mitigation Framework

Corruption in public procurement continues to undermine governance effectiveness, service delivery and public trust. This study aims to analyze procurement corruption using an integrated systemic and behavioral perspective that captures both institutional weaknesses and collective social dynamics. A scoping review of evidence across diverse geographic contexts is undertaken, applying Agency Theory and Collective Action Theory to assess existing anti-corruption approaches and their contextual limitations. The study finds that compliance- and sanction-focused agency models are inadequate for addressing the complex and socially embedded nature of procurement corruption. More sustainable outcomes emerge from integrated approaches that combine institutional reforms, behavioral change interventions, stakeholder engagement and digital transparency mechanisms. The findings provide actionable guidance for policymakers and procurement authorities on designing context-sensitive anti-corruption strategies that strengthen accountability, improve service delivery, and rebuild public trust, while fostering collective responsibility and ethical norms within procurement systems. The paper advances public procurement scholarship by integrating agency and collective action perspectives within a unified analytical framework.