conflict of interest

 A conflict of interest is a situation where a person's private interests—such as financial gain, personal relationships, or professional advancement—interfere with their official responsibilities or duties, potentially impairing their objectivity and ability to act in the best interests of their employer, institution or the communities they serve. These conflicts can undermine trust and fairness, appearing in many settings, including business, government, and community issues, and can be damaging even if actual bias does not occur.