I thought it was very helpful and practical to suggest that we are ultimately responsible for the outcome of those delegated tasks. I have had the tendency to delegate unimportant stuff and not follow up to ensure quality. Good reminder!

Yes. Your definitions and clarifications have helped. Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. :-)

I guess my questions are: 1.) What conditions/cases determine if there is a conflict of interest or a need to separate duties? 2.) Are these stipulated specifically somewhere in writing or are they just assumed knowns? 3.) Do I have to be informed on all the laws or just the policies of my institution?

I am familiar with the concept of internal controls, separation of duties, and conflict of interest from other realms, but hadn't thought about it in terms of academic recruitment.