Wikipedia:Conflict of interest What is a conflict of interest? Examples Close relationships
From Berlin's 'Karl Marx', 4th edition, p. 75. This description covers several aspects of what it might be to stand 'too close' to a subject. Any situation where strong relationships can develop may trigger a conflict of interest. Conflict of interest can be personal, religious, political, academic, financial, and legal. It is not determined by area, but is created by relationships that involve a high level of personal commitment to, involvement with, or dependence upon, a person, subject, idea, tradition, or organization.