Teaching Paper: Conflict of Interest Policy for Consulting Practices
Frameworks for Safeguarding Integrity and Trust in Non-Profit Consulting
Author: Dr. Anna Neya Kazanskaia
Publisher: NEYA Global | NEYA Global Publishing
Journal: NEYA Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies (ERDO)
Year: 2025
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-5669-1676
DOI: 10.64357/neya-gjnps-teaching-coi-policy-2025
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About the Article
Conflicts of interest are among the most frequent ethical challenges in consulting, especially in the non-profit sector where reputational trust and accountability are vital. This Teaching Paper introduces a practical template for developing Conflict of Interest (COI) policies that ensure transparency and safeguard decision-making integrity. It provides both definitions and examples of conflicts, alongside structured procedures for identification, disclosure, management, and review. The paper stresses that COI policies must be embedded within training, monitoring, and enforcement systems to be effective. A case study illustrates how a health-focused NGO rebuilt donor trust by adopting a formal COI policy, while common challenges and reflection questions guide adaptation in diverse contexts. By positioning COI management as a proactive safeguard rather than a bureaucratic burden, the paper highlights its role in sustaining stakeholder confidence and organizational credibility.
Key Topics
- Definition and scope of conflicts of interest in consulting
- Identification and disclosure procedures
- Strategies for conflict management: recusal, oversight, transparency
- Training and awareness-building for consultants and staff
- Monitoring, enforcement, and accountability mechanisms
- Case study: NGO adoption of a COI framework
- Common challenges and contextual adaptation
- Continuous review and policy updates
Academic Value
This Teaching Paper advances the applied ethics literature by operationalizing conflict of interest management into an adaptable, practical framework for consulting practice. It synthesizes insights from governance, management, and ethics scholarship, while translating them into concrete policy templates suitable for non-profit organizations of varying size and complexity. Designed as both a pedagogical and professional tool, it equips practitioners and students with mechanisms to strengthen transparency, trust, and accountability. By emphasizing regular review and contextual adaptation, it contributes to building resilient organizational cultures where integrity is safeguarded and trust is continually reinforced.
Suggested Citation
Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Teaching Paper: Conflict of Interest Policy for Consulting Practices – Frameworks for Safeguarding Integrity and Trust in Non-Profit Consulting. NEYA Global Publishing. https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-teaching-coi-policy-2025
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Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Conflict of interest policy for consulting practices. NEYA Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies.
https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-teaching-coi-policy-2025
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https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-ethicalchallenges-2025
Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Ethical consulting for purpose-driven success. NEYA Global Publishing.
https://doi.org/10.64357/ethical-consulting-2025
Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Managing conflicts of interest in non-profit consulting: Policies, practices, and ethical integrity. NEYA Global Publishing.
https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-conflictinterest-2025
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Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Ethical consulting for purpose-driven success. NEYA Global Publishing.
https://doi.org/10.64357/ethical-consulting-2025
