One of the most critical issues in the business world is the conflict of interest. A situation where interests clash can sour most partnerships or collaborations. Humans can find themselves in situations where they might stray from ethical values due to their vulnerabilities. This situation can occur sometimes inadvertently and sometimes deliberately.
The crux of the matter lies in the responsibilities and authorities bestowed upon individuals. When someone is appointed to a position, they are obligated to fulfill the requirements of the position as needed by the institution and to safeguard the institution's interests while exercising their responsibilities and powers. In return, they receive pre-agreed upon compensation and benefits from the institution. Up to this point, everything is normal. However, when individuals resort to providing gifts, fees, or different benefits from sources outside the institution or from third parties in order to fulfill their duties, authority, and responsibilities, all ethical values begin to collapse...
If an employee finds themselves in this dilemma, the most ethical way to resolve it is to make a choice. That is, either they will continue their duties within their current position and conditions, carrying them out diligently while safeguarding the institution's interests, or they will take the risk and leave their position to independently pursue desired tasks, receiving payment from third parties, which must be done transparently. Otherwise, the created conflict of interest benefits no one.
Another similar situation is partnerships. If one of the partners engages in another venture that conflicts with the partnership's business area and interests, a significant conflict of interest will arise. The way to prevent this is again to sit down transparently and make decisions, either by leaving the partnership before engaging in such ventures or by refraining from ventures that would create a conflict of interest while remaining in the partnership.
The continuity of a compromise between these two extremes is the most undesirable situation and harms everyone in the long run! The benefits that an employee derives from serving an institution diligently can certainly be negotiated with the institution's human resources, and additional benefits can be provided. However, it is unethical for someone entrusted with safeguarding the institution's interests to overlook this duty for personal gain. Being ethical is in everyone's best interest in the long run.
Dr. Bilinç Dolmacı
