Published on 01 Nov 2025
Conflict can arise when individuals are torn between their personal values and the demands of their public responsibilities. The following are some real-life examples.
Conflicting business interests: When a person’s private business interests clash with their public duties, it can lead to ethical dilemmas.
Example: A government official, whose close relative owns a private company, is involved in awarding government contracts to that company.
Nepotism: Favouritism towards family members or close friends in public appointments or decision-making can lead to conflicts between personal relationships and professional obligations.
Example: A CEO hiring their unqualified family member for a high-ranking position in the company, disregarding the merit-based hiring process.
Political contributions and lobbying: The influence of private individuals or corporations on public officials through financial contributions or lobbying efforts can raise ethical concerns.
Example: An MLA receiving campaign donations from a company and then advocating for policies that benefit the company, when it is not in public interest.
Whistleblowing: For an employee, deciding whether to report an unethical/illegal activity in a public institution can be challenging due to potential repercussions.
Example: An employee witnessing adulteration in a food company but fearing retaliation if they report it to the authorities.
Personal relationships in the workplace: Romantic or familial relationships among colleagues or between superiors and subordinates can lead to biased decision-making.
Example: A manager giving preferential treatment to their spouse who works under them, compromising fairness and professionalism.
Privacy and transparency: Balancing the need for privacy in personal relationships and the demand for transparency in public roles can create ethical dilemmas.
Example: A public figure trying to keep their personal life private but facing pressure from the media and public to disclose information that could impact their public role.
Confidentiality v/s whistle-blowing: Professionals may encounter ethical conflicts when they need to maintain confidentiality but become aware of wrongdoing that could harm the public.
Example: A lawyer discovering that their client is guilty of a serious crime but being bound by the duty of confidentiality from reporting it to the authorities.
The complexity of balancing personal ethics with professional responsibilities creates ethical dilemma. Addressing this issue requires ethics education and training, clear codes of conduct, and robust accountability mechanisms, along with efforts from individual level.
Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude
Conflict Between Ethics in Private and Public Relationships
Ethics in Private Relationships
Ethics in Public Relationships
Ethics in Private life
Ethics in Public life
Conflicting business interests
nepotism
Political contributions and lobbying
Whistleblowing
Personal relationships in the workplace
Privacy and transparency
Confidentiality v/s whistle-blowing
General Studies Paper 4
Ethics and Integrity
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