Conflicts of Interest

A subject may be motivated by personal, financial, or professional interests that directly conflict with their duties and obligations to the organization. This inherent conflict of interest can lead the subject to engage in actions that compromise the organization’s values, objectives, or legal standing.

For instance, a subject who serves as a senior procurement officer at a company may have a financial stake in a vendor company that is bidding for a contract. Despite knowing that the vendor's offer is subpar or overpriced, the subject might influence the decision-making process to favor that vendor, as it directly benefits their personal financial interests. This conflict of interest could lead to awarding the contract in a way that harms the organization, such as incurring higher costs, receiving lower-quality goods or services, or violating anti-corruption regulations.

The presence of a conflict of interest can create a situation where the subject makes decisions that intentionally or unintentionally harm the organization, such as promoting anti-competitive actions, distorting market outcomes, or violating regulatory frameworks. While the subject’s actions may be hidden behind professional duties, the conflict itself acts as the driving force behind unethical or illegal behavior. These infringements can have far-reaching consequences, including legal ramifications, financial penalties, and damage to the organization’s reputation.