The whole matter of conflict of interest in government or non-profits, I was
taught once, revolves around appearances.  Does this consulting arrangement
pass the "smell test?" in the sense that no one would have reason to raise
eyebrows?

The decision to hire this consultant ought to be deferred to the board or
its executive committee because they will get the flak, if any emerges.  I
have done this on several occasions, and was never made to feel I was
passing the buck, or putting the boards on the spot.  Conversely, in every
case the board members were glad to know up front.

It would be beneficial if the hiring of this consultant were the result of
some competitive process, unless the amount involved is trivial, i.e., $200
or so.

Ross Weeks Jr.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Chuck Stout" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Monday, August 14, 2000 12:17 PM
Subject: Ethical question


> I'd like to tap the wisdom of the list on yet another ethics question. Is
it ethical for a museum board member to also be a paid consultant to that
museum? The board isn't involved in making the hiring decision (the museum
director is), and the board member has no influence on the hiring decision
(beyond what any "outsider" would have). The consulting work is related to,
but in no way a part of, the person's duties on the board-- so it's not a
matter of being paid to do work that other board members do for free.
>
> I've turned it over and tried to examine it from all angles in my mind,
and can't see any problem with it, but I'd really like to hear from others
with more experience. Is this in any way a conflict of interest?
>

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