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Case Studies
Conflict of interest
Jonathan was a very task-oriented young computer programmer employed by the Galaxy Electronics Ltd for two years.
One day, his supervisor asked him to design a programme for a digital answering machine. Jonathan turned it down and explained that he was extremely busy at that time. The job was then contracted out to an outside software house named Leo Systems Company.
It so happened that Leo, the proprietor of Leo Systems, was an old friend of Jonathan. He rang Jonathan and told him of the job offer. Actually, Leo and his staff had their hands full at that time but would not like to turn down Galaxy when they made the offer. What Leo wanted was to maintain a good relationship with Galaxy all through so that in future when their jobs again had to be contracted out, they would come to Leo Systems again.
Leo asked if Jonathan would consider lending a hand in designing the programme in his own spare time. The contract money could be split, with Jonathan taking a share for the part that he did and Leo taking the share his men worked on.
Jonathan thought hard. He could certainly sacrifice a few nights' sleep to get a part of the programme written up. He knew what the requirements were.
Should he say ‘yes’ to Leo? He would be earning extra money at the expenses of his boss. Would this weigh heavily on his conscience? Or was it a stone that could be lifted easily?
Case Analysis
Jonathan was facing a situation of conflict of interest as well as an ethical dilemma that might put his personal values such as loyalty and honesty to challenge. On one hand, his assistance to Leo could help Leo’s company maintain a good business relationship with Galaxy; on the other hand, his taking up of the moonlighting job from Leo at the expense of his boss might create a conflict of interest. In handling the situation, Jonathan should identify the relevant facts and take stock of all stakeholders concerned. The following factors should be taken into consideration when identifying viable alternatives and choosing the best course of action for himself:
- Does his decision violate professional, industry specific, or company code of conduct?
- Is his decision against the law?
- Does it correspond with his self-values such as loyalty, honesty?
- Can he disclose the decision to others openly and honestly without misgivings?
The ETHICS PLUS ethical decision making model might be helpful for him in solving the dilemma.