I have, on quite rare occasions, encountered very intelligent people working in purchasing departments. But, this is a rare occurrence - I think that this profession tends to attract people who love to spend time in malls. Or perhaps think that a career in purchasing includes going to malls. I am sure that malls figure into it some way or another..

I found it really odd that, as a contractor, I had to negotiate the price and shipping details for a part one time for a client company, and then give the information to the purchasing agent. She said, "all I do is buy stuff, I don't ask about prices !"