The dilemma of developing an industry code of conduct in a medium of widespread corruption

Abstract

This study analyzes the relations between suppliers and the buyers (decision makers) in the health care products in Turkey. The analysis of the study showed that to establish a code of conduct in the industry, is practically impossible at the moment due to the lack of favorable conditions, basically the corruptive environment. This study is divided into eight parts. However the main concentration was on ten case episodes, analysis of the cases and strategies related to negotiation. Cases were developed based on the data collected through personal interviews.. The Action Research methodology was employed during the study. This method includes evaluation of agreed upon actions related to the data gathenng, information, information shanng, action planning, and lessons learned from the case studies. Also a search conference was held in in March 1995,in Antalya for three days, which is a particapatory planning method. The participants, who were 35-40 stakeholders from the health care products sector, designed the future of the sector, and the strategies to implement them. An official organization (association) called SADER (Sağlık Gereçleri Üreticileri ve Temsilcileri Derneği/ Association of Health Care Product Manufacturers and Representatives) was established to develop honest, fair and trustworthy relations between (suppliers) and the buyers. It is expected this organization will play an important role in the years ahead in achieving its main goals since SADER members control 80 percent of the market. It is also predicted that all parties namely suppliers, buyers, and the domain, involved will get mutual benefits out of this action plan. The episodes analyzed in the text will give an analytical perspective to the reader, i.e. the problems between parties can easily be solved through effective communication and understandings. Based on the analysis of the available data and review of the findings several recommendations are made to alleviate some of the problems that exist between suppliers and the buyers. Findings are classified under the learning perspective which indicates how a necessary change takes place and the cultural and social perspective where characteristics of the domain is reviewed on the individual as well as the societal level.