An analysis of regulatory acts and judicial practice reveals the problems of termination of an employment contract (service contract) if the employee fails to take measures to prevent or resolve a conflict of interests in which he is involved like a party. The article notes that today the Russian legislator: firstly, in fact, connects the concept of conflict of interests with the implementation of anti-corruption legislation, which cannot be recognized as correct; secondly, reduces the essence of the conflict of interests only to the influence or the possibility of influence of vested interest of employee in the discharge of their responsibilities. The authors of the article express their opinion on the terms “proper”, “objective” and “impartial” performance of duties, and also outline key aspects of the concept of “personal interest of an employee”.