Define "conflict of interest" in a professional setting.

In a professional setting, a conflict of interest occurs specifically when personal interests interfere with one's professional responsibilities or obligations. This can take many forms, such as situations where an employee might have a vested interest in a decision that could affect their own financial situation, or where personal relationships could bias their judgment.

For instance, if an employee is in a position to influence a hiring decision and they are considering a friend or family member for the role, their personal relationship may cloud their professional judgment. Such conflicts can undermine trust, ethical standards, and decision-making processes, making it critical to identify and manage these situations to maintain integrity within the workplace.

While the other choices touch on various workplace dynamics, they do not encapsulate the essence of what constitutes a conflict of interest. Focusing too much on personal gain, teamwork challenges, or disagreements among coworkers lacks the specific element of how personal interests can clash with professional duties, which is the defining characteristic of a conflict of interest.