Conflict of Interest

A conflict of interest arises where an employee’s personal interests are misaligned with the interests of their employer. Employers have a reasonable expectation that the loyalties and actions of employees reside with the employer. Conflict has a very wide range of definitions depending on the company. It can include having a financial interest in a competitor or a company doing business with a competitor; acting as a consultant to a competitor, supplier or customer; disclosing confidential or internal information; dealing with a family member or friend at a competitor or supplier as part of normal business; using company property or information for personal gain; acting as a witness in a trial against the employer.