Is Disclosure of Nature Conflict of Interest Necessary?

[Guest David]

If a voting board member recuses themselves due to conflict of interest, is it necessary for them to disclose the specific nature of their conflict?

[SaintCad]

Nope.  In fact if a member abstains they cannot be compelled to explain why unless it is in the bylaws [reference to a thread we had about a month ago]

Edited November 29, 2017 at 03:19 AM by SaintCad

[Guest David]

Thanks for your reply!

However, I am asking about recusal, not abstention. 

[Gary Novosielski]

4 minutes ago, Guest David said:

Thanks for your reply!

However, I am asking about recusal, not abstention. 

The word recusal does not appear in RONR.   RONR recommends that members with a personal or pecuniary interest (not in common with others) in the outcome of a question should abstain from voting on it, but this act is voluntary.  

If you have customized rules about recusal you should follow them, otherwise voluntary abstention is as far as it goes.

[Richard Brown]

Guest David, you might find this thread from 2012 somewhat enlightening: 

 

[Josh Martin]

15 hours ago, Guest David said:

However, I am asking about recusal, not abstention. 

Nonetheless, it is still the case that the member is not required to provide the reason he is recusing himself, unless the organization’s rules or applicable law so provide.