Which scenario is an example of a common ethical dilemma faced in business?

Conflicts of interest represent a significant ethical dilemma commonly faced in business settings. This scenario occurs when an individual’s personal interests clash with their professional responsibilities, potentially leading to decisions that benefit themselves at the expense of the organization or its stakeholders. For instance, an employee might be tempted to favor a vendor with whom they have a personal relationship, rather than selecting the best option for the company. Such situations can compromise integrity and trust, making it crucial for businesses to establish clear policies and guidelines to manage and disclose conflicts of interest.

In contrast, developing a new marketing strategy, launching a product on time, and adhering to customer feedback, while important processes in business, do not inherently involve the same ethical complexities. These tasks generally focus on operational effectiveness and may involve strategic decision-making but aren’t characterized as ethical dilemmas in the same way conflicts of interest are.