Teaching Cases On Conflicts Of Interest In The Workplace: How To Avoid Ethical Dilemma

Abstract

This paper presents three teaching cases on common types of conflicts of interest in the workplace: (1) fraternization (supervisor-subordinate dating), (2) nepotism, and (3) when a relative or friend is employed by a supplier or customer.  These short case studies can be used in the classroom to explore the difficult issues that accompany conflicts of interest in the workplace.  It is envisioned that these three cases will generate classroom discussion at a level appropriate for an undergraduate business course dealing with ethical issues caused by conflicts of interest.