What term describes a situation where your private interests conflict with public interests?

The term that describes a situation where private interests conflict with public interests is "conflict of interest." This occurs when an individual's personal interests—such as financial gain, relationships, or other personal benefits—have the potential to influence their professional actions or decisions in a way that may not align with the welfare of the public or the integrity of their professional role.

Recognizing and managing conflicts of interest is crucial in many professions, especially in public service, as it helps maintain trust and accountability. Addressing such conflicts requires transparency and ethical considerations to ensure that decisions are made in the best interest of the public rather than for personal advantage.

Other options refer to different concepts: "personal gain" highlights an individual's pursuit of benefits without inherently indicating a conflict, "public service" emphasizes the commitment to serving the community, and "professional duty" focuses on obligations within a profession without necessarily involving a conflict of personal versus public interests. Thus, in this context, "conflict of interest" is the most accurate choice.