If a manager hides conflict of interest and takes personal gain which professional principle is violated?

Correct answer: Transparency and ethics

A conflict of interest arises when a manager’s personal benefit may influence, or appear to influence, an official decision. Hiding that conflict prevents others from judging the decision fairly and can damage trust. Taking private gain while controlling organisational matters is therefore not merely a personal choice; it is a breach of professional conduct. Managers are expected to disclose relevant interests and act honestly in the organisation’s best interest.

Option A is correct because transparency requires openness about matters that may affect judgment, while ethics requires fair and responsible behaviour. Office decoration, production quantity, and an entrance examination do not identify the professional principle broken in this situation. Even if no immediate loss is visible, concealed personal gain creates an unfair process and weakens accountability. The supplied answer appropriately identifies transparency and ethics as the violated principles.