What is an example of a conflict of interest?

A situation described as a conflict of interest occurs when an individual's personal interests interfere with their professional responsibilities. In this case, the consulting ergonomist has financial ownership in the kinesiology clinic to which they are referring workers. By not disclosing this ownership, the ergonomist fails to manage the potential bias in their referral, which could compromise the integrity of the decision-making process. This lack of transparency can lead to questions about the motivations behind the referral—whether it's genuinely in the best interest of the workers or primarily for financial benefit to the ergonomist. The failure to disclose such ownership presents a clear conflict between professional obligations and personal gain, making it a prime example of conflict of interest.

Other scenarios involve professional relationships or proximity but do not inherently involve undisclosed financial incentives or self-serving behavior, which are key components of a conflict of interest.