Conflict of interest
KTH is a government agency, and KTH employees are thus subject to the Swedish Administrative Procedure Act on conflict of interest. The purpose of the conflict of interest provisions is to ensure that a government agency considers all people’s
equality before the law and acts impartially and objectively. If a conflict of interest matter is not handled correctly, it may constitute corruption or unethical conduct. The provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act mean that an employee may not participate in the handling of a matter if there is any circumstance that may
affect the impartiality of that employee or shake the confidence in the impartiality of the agency or employee.
The conflict of interest provisions apply to all handling of the matter and are aimed at anyone who in any way can affect the outcome of the matter. The provisions thus apply to the person deciding on the matter as well as to anyone presenting, preparing, or participating in the final administration of the matter. However, administrative handling, such as printing or logging a document in the matter, is not subject to the provisions. If there is any suspicion of an employee being connected to the handling of the matter in a way that makes the conflict of interest provisions relevant, the said employee must not have anything to do with the matter.
The following circumstances imply a conflict of interest:
- The matter concerns the employee personally.
- The outcome of the matter may result in benefit or harm to the employee.
- Spouse, parent, sibling, or other closely-related party of the employee is affected.
- Other circumstance that brings someone’s impartiality in a matter into question.
There may be situations that are not obvious or easy to assess from a conflict of interest point of view. In this grey area of relationships, ties, or conflicts of interest between you as an employee and a party to the matter, circumstances may be such that they can damage the agency’s credibility, even if there is no conflict of interest in the legal sense. When such situations arise, the precautionary principle must always be applied, which means that you as an employee should refrain from participating in the handling of the matter.
Remember that you are personally responsible for reporting a conflict of interest and that it must be reported to the relevant KTH official immediately. If you are unsure as to whether there is a conflict of interest, you should bring the matter up with your manager or consult the relevant official. Keep in mind that what is important when deciding on a conflict of interest is how the public perceives the situation, not how you as an official perceive your impartiality and objectivity.
How do I know?
You must never participate in the handling of matters that concern a closely related party, in other words a family member or a close friend or foe. Such matters can, for example, involve an application for admission to a programme, an application for employment, or a recommendation for promotion. Closely related parties refer to a wider circle than just the immediate family, relatives, and household members, and can include, for example, people who live with your children. Also remember that friendship, feuds, or financial dependence are things that can create a conflict of interest, for example, in connection with procurements or expert reviews.
Teaching your own children does not constitute a conflict of interest if you are a teacher. However, assessing and grading them are clear grounds for conflict of interest. Conflict of interest aspects must also be carefully considered in connection with thesis defence. Be aware that authorship and rights regarding course literature and publishing may be tried or questioned based on conflict of interest principles. A common question is also whether a conflict of interest arises in co-authorship. Impartiality can be questioned if the joint work has been numerous and the collaboration has taken place in the immediately preceding years. Co-authorship is normally considered a conflict of interest, although exceptions may be granted in special cases.