Ensuring that government decisions are not influenced by public officials’ private interests is an ongoing concern.
Partnerships between government and the private sector continue to present challenges for policy-makers and public managers and the following areas require attention:
A too-strict approach to controlling private interests may conflict with other rights or be unworkable or deter experienced and competent candidates from entering public office or public service. A modern approach to conflict-of-interest policy seeks to strike a balance by:
The OECD helps countries modernise their approach for managing conflict of interest by mapping “at risk” areas and positions within the public service. The OECD Guidelines for Managing Conflict of Interest in the Public Service identify a set core principles and standards for the design and implementation of conflict-of-interest policies. The Guidelines:
Download the guidelines in: English, French, Albanian, Russian, Bosnian/Serb, Romanian/Moldovan, Ukrainian.
Reviews the measures taken in OECD countries to avoid conflict of interest when officials leave public office.
Highlights the progress made in managing conflict of interest in the public service in OECD countries.
Provides generic examples and practical ideas and instruments for policy-makers and managers.
Highlights trends, approaches and models across OECD countries in a comparative overview with examples of innovative solutions.
See our country reports, comparative evidence and analysis of international practices:
Contact the public sector integrity division at: