Your organization’s procurement policy should ensure which of the following?

The appropriate focus of an organization's procurement policy is on the segregation of duties among procurement roles. This principle is vital for minimizing the risk of fraud and ensuring that no single individual has control over all phases of a procurement transaction. By dividing responsibilities—such as purchasing, receiving, and payment—among different staff members, organizations can create checks and balances. This separation is essential because it prevents any one person from having the ability to both initiate and complete a procurement transaction without oversight.

Effective segregation of duties helps to detect and deter fraudulent activities since collusion or error is more likely to be uncovered when multiple parties are involved. It enhances transparency and accountability within the procurement process. Ensuring that roles are properly segregated is a key internal control that can significantly reduce the likelihood of procurement-related fraud and errors. Consequently, aligning the procurement policy with this principle contributes to the overall integrity and efficiency of the organization's procurement function.