Professional Ethics and Public Service: Can Professionals Serve Two Masters?

The role of professionals in delivering goods and services on behalf of governments has, in recent times, been transformed. Not only that, but the regulation of their activities has come under increasing scrutiny. It is time to reassess the role and responsibilities of professionals, especially as they all have a dual allegiance to their employer and to their profession. This places them under a possible conflict of interests, where the interests of the employer invariably trump their allegiance to their profession. This article explores the implication of such conflict of interest and uses the decision not to replace the Alderney breakwater in the Channel Islands as a case study.