Examples in Extension and Outreach

A "conflict of interest" in a university setting generally refers to situations in which the external interests of a university employee have the potential to influence their decisions in their university role. The influence is generally in ways that could lead to personal gain (financial or non-financial) for the individual or immediate family members.

A "conflict of commitment" in a university setting generally refers to situations in which the external activity of a university employee has the potential to reduce the time and attention the employee can devote to their university responsibilities, and thus negatively impact their performance or assigned university duties.

Because of its special role in service to external clientele, certain conflict of interest and commitment issues arise that are unique to Extension employees.

These examples are intended to give an idea of the range of situations that might occur. They are not inclusive of all possible situations that could be or could be perceived to be conflicts of interest and commitment.

Situation: A livestock specialist raises a few pure-bred ewes on their personal acreage and sells lambs for show purposes. A 4-H club asks the specialist to do an Extension workshop on selection decisions for breeding ewes.

Why could this be perceived to be a conflict of interest? The specialist's personal interest could appear to affect how they give advice. For example, if they make money from the breeding operation, they could appear to be using the workshop to advertise the ewe breeding services.

What should the employee do? The employee should disclose the situation to their immediate supervisor to determine an appropriate course of action. Management strategies will vary depending on the situation.

Situation: An ISU Extension employee establishes a private business that is in direct competition with the business of their Extension clientele.

Why could this be perceived to be a conflict of interest? The competition may harm the employee's relationship with their Extension clientele and thus the ability to fulfill the Extension mission.

What should the employee do? The employee should disclose the situation to their immediate supervisor and/or program leader, to determine an appropriate course of action. Management strategies will vary depending on the situation

Situation: A specialist has a private business of selling cosmetics. The specialist was requested to give a program report at the next Extension Council meeting, but declined this request because the Extension meeting is the same night as a previously scheduled home party for the cosmetics business.

Why could this be perceived to be a conflict of interest? The private cosmetics business could impact on the employees' job performance.

What should the employee do? The employee should recognize their primary commitment is to Iowa State University. The employee should disclose the private business to their supervisor and if the supervisor deems necessary should establish a COIC Management Plan. The specialist should not decline the request of the Council only because it conflicts with their private business.

Situation: A 4-H and Youth Specialist is asked to help write a grant proposal to the county community foundation's competition for one club but declines to help another 4-H club in the county for the same competition because that club "always is successful at outside funding, and the former group never is."

Why could this be perceived to be a conflict of interest? Under the federal Smith Lever rules, Extension employees may not give preferential treatment to an individual or a group.

What should the employee do? The employee should disclose the situation to their immediate supervisor and/or program leader to determine an appropriate course of action. Management strategies will vary depending on the situation. It may be appropriate to assist both clubs, or offer a workshop on grant preparation available to all clubs.

Situation: An ISU Extension employee establishes a private business that involves work that is similar to their ISU Extension assignment.

Why could this be perceived to be a conflict of interest? The similarity of the work can give the perception that the person is using Extension expertise and/or resources for personal gain and is profiting from their Extension appointment. It can also cause confusion for external clientele who may think that the private activity is an Extension activity. For this reason, Extension employees are prohibited from offering the same services privately in the State of Iowa that they offer through their Extension appointment.

What should the employee do? The employee should disclose the situation to their immediate supervisor to determine the appropriate course of action. Management strategies will vary depending on the situation.