TEACHING ETHICS THROUGHOUT THE CURRICULUM

Case 26. Refusal in a Situation of Conflict of Interest

Situation

Professor Allison Lucyk is serving on a committee of the American Sociological Association. He receives the agenda for an upcoming meeting of this committee which is accompanied by a packet of materials designed to provide needed background for the discussion and decision- making to come. Among them is a complaint one sociologist is making about the professional behavior of another. The person complaining is someone Professor Lucyk edited a book with 10 years ago, but someone he now rarely sees. He had no knowledge of the complaint or its detail until he reads the materials he was just sent by ASA.

Questions

1.    What, if any, action should Professor Lycyk take?
2.    Does the amount of time that has passed since Professor Lucyk had a close relationship with the complainant obviate her need to do anything?
         

     Reflect on the above questions and form your own answers before clicking the Discussion key to review the commentary provided with this case.