3.4 Conflicts of Interest and Outside Activities
Institute community members have the responsibility to protect the Institute from conflicts of interest or the appearance of conflicts of interest. A conflict of interest may arise if an individual's personal interests interfere with their professional relationship and obligations to the Institute. Conflicts of interest can also arise if an Institute community member interacts inappropriately with other members or uses his/her status at the Institute for inappropriate purposes. (For more information, see the Institute’s policies governing Harassment, Personal Relationships in the Workplace, and Consulting and Work Performed by Staff for Other Members of the Institute Community.)
The concept of conflict of interest is complex and every potential situation cannot be addressed in a single policy, but it is useful to establish general guidelines. Generally stated, Institute community members are obligated to act with integrity and exercise good judgment in all of their activities and to be sensitive to situations that may be actual conflicts or create an appearance of a conflict of interest. Similarly, Institute community members must avoid situations that benefit, or appear to benefit, themselves or their families rather than the Institute. Institute resources, facilities, equipment and information may not be used to further an Institute community member's involvement in outside activities.
Although every kind of conduct that could lead to a conflict of interest cannot be included here, some examples may be helpful:
Outside employment or consulting during Institute work time
Significant financial interest in business concerns that are vendors to the Institute
Accepting gifts from vendors or other business concerns
Hiring members of one's family on an employment or contract basis
Professional associations and civic activities that might conflict with the Institute’s mission
Inappropriate use of the Institute’s name
Exploitation of one's association with the Institute for private gain
Institute community members who are concerned that some activity or conduct may conflict with this policy should speak with their supervisor or the Manager of Human Resources prior to engaging in that activity or conduct. Actions that contradict this policy may subject individuals to disciplinary action. Where government funds are involved, a conflict of interest may also result in civil and/or criminal penalties.
Outside Employment
Consistent with this policy, staff members may not take on additional work for themselves or any third party during work hours. Additional work that is performed outside normal working hours should not be competitive with or detrimental to the Institute’s best interests. Employees considering additional employment should speak with their supervisors about the nature of the work, the commitment that would be required, and other relevant details. If it is determined that this work would create, or has the potential to create, a conflict of interest, the request will not be approved. Any employee who takes additional employment against the wishes of the Institute will be subject to Institute action, up to and including dismissal.
Professional Associations and Voluntary Activities
The Institute recognizes the importance of participating in (1) professional associations and societies that align with career interests and (2) certain voluntary civic and community activities. Even so, such activities may raise actual and/or perceived conflicts of interests in terms of time commitment and other employment obligations. Institute community members must remember that during working hours, their primary commitment is to the Institute, and they should not allow outside activities to interfere with this commitment. Institute community members should establish clear boundaries to separate outside activities from Institute commitments.
Confidential Information
Employees in certain offices or departments may have access to confidential and/or proprietary information as part of their responsibilities. Such information must be treated with care inside the Institute and with strict confidence outside the Institute. Confidential information or knowledge must not be disclosed to other employees (unless there is a recognized business need), third parties, family members, colleagues, or friends; this obligation continues after an employee discontinues working at the Institute. Employees who disclose confidential information without clear need and prior consent or in any way violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary action.
2.8 Use of Institute Resources
Institute resources are defined as items of Institute property that are used for Institute purposes, such as its facilities, equipment, telecommunications, technology, electronic systems, vehicles, postage, and other tangible assets. The Institute expects that reasonable care be taken when using IAS resources, and that they not be altered or intentionally damaged.
Occasionally it is necessary for Institute personnel to monitor or gain access to some of these resources, as in cases of employee absence, emergency, equipment maintenance or upgrade, or because of security concerns. Institute community members are encouraged not to use Institute equipment to store or send sensitive personal information.
In general, members of the Institute may not use Institute resources to carry out private business or activities for their personal financial benefit. On occasion, incidental personal use of equipment may be permitted on a limited basis provided such use does not impact negatively the work of the office or the department. (For more detailed information on the use of Institute technology, see the Computer Use Guidelines in the Employee Handbook and the Computer Use Guidelines on the Institute web page.)
The Institute's logo, seal, name or endorsement may be used only with the prior consent of the Associate Director or Director. The Institute considers all non-public information as proprietary and as such, expects it to remain confidential.
Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that Institute community members understand and adhere to this policy.
The problem is that she is *supposed* to do research in political theory.
( It’s inconvenient that she admitted, and the WP reported, that she acted because she got angry, but . . .)