Ethics Illustrated: How to Avoid Conflicts of Interest

The video addresses ethical dilemmas in government work, focusing on conflicts of interest. It provides guidance on identifying, disclosing, and recusing oneself from such conflicts. Examples include accepting gifts from vendors or having personal relationships that may affect impartiality. The video emphasizes the importance of maintaining ethical standards to avoid disciplinary actions and uphold integrity. Resources like the USDA Office of Ethics are available for guidance.

What is the main ethical dilemma presented in the introduction?

• Balancing work and family life

• Choosing between personal gain and agency benefit

• Deciding whether to accept a job offer

• Selecting the best vendor for a project

Which of the following is NOT an example of a conflict of interest?

• Owning stock in a vendor

• Serving on a board that conflicts with your duties

• Accepting concert tickets from a vendor

• Having a second job unrelated to your agency

What should you do if you identify a potential conflict of interest?

• Disclose it to your supervisor or ethics office

• Try to resolve it on your own

• Discuss it with the vendor involved

• Ignore it and continue with your work

Why is it important to recuse yourself from decisions involving a conflict of interest?

• To save time

• To avoid extra work

• To please your colleagues

• To maintain fairness and impartiality

What is the ultimate benefit of following the steps to handle conflicts of interest?

• Gaining more personal benefits

• Avoiding federal ethics violations

• Improving relationships with vendors

• Increasing your workload