Conflict of interest
Conflict of interest can be described as competing relationships for an individual or an entity’s attention. This may result in a relationship being neglected for another or implantation of policies that disadvantage another relationship. Besides that, they can make biased decisions which may benefit one relationship while limiting options of the other relationship. Conflict of interest may occur when someone becomes less efficient in their duties due to a clash between professional duties and personal responsibilities. Government officials are required to state any form of conflict of interest they may have before being appointed into office. This includes relationships with people or entities which have a direct link with the department they will be posted. If a government official has any conflict of interest, they are required to resign or cut all the ties that result in a conflict of interest.
However, this was not the case with the postmaster general of the United States Postal Service, whom experts warn may be in office illegally. Many political analysts state that Lois De Joy only got to be appointed as director of the USP only because he was President Donald Trump ally rather than through merit. Furthermore, he is guilty of accepting and not stepping aside from his post despite having a conflict of interest. He has substantial shares in the company he was formerly managing, XPO holding, which is also a major contractor of the USPS. Besides having major shares in XPO holdings, Lois De Joy has been trading in shares of USPS competitors such as Amazon. De Joy can easily use his powers and influence to affect the prices of these companies and increase the value of his shares.
If Louise De Joy does not step aside, he risks breaking laws of the land which should be upheld and respected. Disregarding laws may result in anarchy where people do not follow the laid down laws which are created to ensure harmony. Besides that, he may use his influence to benefit himself by implementing policies that disadvantage others and benefit entities that he owns. In the long run, this may affect the basis of a free market where everyone has equal opportunities to thrive. The current debacle can be diffused if Louis De Joy sells off shares he owns in companies he is associated with that partner with the USPS such as Amazon and XPO holding. If not, Louis De Joy should resign as the president of USPS and continue focusing on his businesses while at the same time working with various government departments.