The line between conflict of interest and corruption is finer than many would like to admit, and even seasoned business executives can sometimes fail to distinguish where one ends and the other begins. While the two are sometimes used interchangeably, a conflict of interest does not, in itself, constitute corruption, just as corruption does not necessarily arise from a conflict of interest. For boards, understanding this distinction is critical because the integrity of decision making does not often depend on whether a conflict exists, but on how it is identified, disclosed and managed.
This distinction is particularly relevant in Botswana, where conversations around corruption and the conduct of those entrusted with public or corporate authority continue to attract significant public scrutiny. A director with a connection to a company awarded a contract or a public official whose personal interests intersect with a decision falling within their mandate can quickly become the subject of public scrutiny and suspicion.
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