It is now time to review a case study that focuses on ethical behavior.
Access the Open APM’s ethics case study resource provided below to read a scenario concerning ethics in projects.
Can you pinpoint a few instances of professional conduct highlighted in this scenario? Reflect on the skills employed to integrate ethical considerations into the decisions made by the individuals involved. Can you recognize them?
Share your responses in the discussion section below.
After posting your comment, proceed to the next step, where you will find some potential answers provided by APM for these questions.
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Williams going ahead of John to get things done shows a lack of inclusion and a measure of accountability.
The doctored report shows a lack of intergrity and genuine concern for the project.
Continuing with the project would have gone against the reputation XYZ is currently building, it would also not have portrayed their expertise.
In dealing with this ethical dilemna, the following skills come into play:
– Taking initiative: it took John leading the conversation and practically forcing the conversation along the lines of the real reason for his trip and not just waiting on other stakeholders to set the pace of the discussion.
– Critical thinking and Problem solving: Karen had an eye for detail and is solution driven, that’s why she could easily spot that the report was too good. However, she didn’t just stop at spotting the problem, she went ahead to find solution by involving a third party that helped them get the needed engagement.
– Integrity: Karen was honest enough to call out the issue but careful enough not to come across as criticising any other party. She was able to remind John to see the big picture and uphold the reputation that XYZ is known for.
They discussed the issue. Discussing an issue with your team make the problem half solved. The brought ideas together- critical thinking:
Karen showed some professional skills in analyzing the report given to her and that gave her the courage to challenge the report, despite going through probation.
This shows integrity and accountability.
I identified a couple of issues of professional conduct.
1. Conflict of Interest: The project manager, has a personal relationship with the supplier, which could influence his decision-making and create an unfair advantage.
2. Dishonesty: The supplier, is aware of the project’s budget constraints but still submits an inflated invoice, which is a dishonest act.
The skills used to bring ethics into decisions in this scenario include:
1. Integrity
2. Objectivity
3. Transparency
4. Communication
5. Ethical Awareness
Inclusion: each member of the team must feel concerned and involved in the project. No exclusion.
Communication: team needs to communicate properly.
Team spirit: not competition, which is harmful to the project.
A team is made up of complementary ideas that respect each other.
Critical thinking.
All three of them are trying to show how professional they are instead of completely listening to the project manager
A couple of issues of professional conduct featured in this scenario are:
1. Conflict of interest: William’s close relationship with the opinion research firm and his desire to please John and the project goals may have led to a conflict of interest, which would have potentially compromised the objectives and integrity of the engagement report.
2. Misrepresentation of information: The overly positive report and William’s initial reluctance to share the methodology and data collection process raised concerns about transparency and honesty in presenting information.
The skills used to bring ethics into decisions in this scenario include:
1. Critical thinking: Karen’s professional skepticism and critical analysis of the report helped her in identifying potential issues and prompted her having to further investigate the project.
2. Courage: Karen’s willingness to speak up and challenge the report, despite risking her probation period and office dynamics, demonstrated courage and a commitment to ethical conduct.
3. Collaboration: John and Karen’s open communication and collaboration helped them address the issues and then helped them find a solution that prioritized the project’s integrity and the firm’s reputation.
4. Cultural awareness: John’s recognizing cultural differences and his adaptability in navigating the international project context showed he is appreciative of cultural awareness and sensitivity.
5. Integrity: Karen’s focus which was to uphold the firm’s reputation and integrity drove her actions and decisions, thereby demonstrating a commitment to ethical conduct and professional standards.
6. Communication: Effective communication among John, Karen, and the global firm was crucial in being able to resolve the issue and ensure the project’s success, highlighting the importance of clear and transparent communication in ethical decision-making.
These skills helped in bringing ethics into the decisions made by the people involved in this scenario, ultimately prioritizing the project’s integrity, the firm’s reputation, and it’s professional conduct.
Project tend to have challenges is there is no adequate stakeholder engagement, collaboration, ethical behavior transparency etc which are crucial amongst other requirements for successful project implementation.
Kennedy Anyanwu
Cohort 15
It appears there were a couple of issues within the engagement program. Firstly, William’s failure to involve John in the planning process left John feeling excluded and raised concerns about ethical conduct. Secondly, Karen found it challenging to provide John with honest feedback due to her concerns about his feelings. Fortunately, they later communicated and identified potential solutions to the problem. Ethical behavior and transparent communication are crucial in organizational settings.
I think William should have really carried John along on the engagement programme and Karen should have been more open about her review to John and then suggesting a possible way forward.
In project management, ethics play a crucial role in ensuring that projects are executed with integrity, transparency, and respect for all stakeholders. Here are some ethical principles and values commonly applied in project management:
1. Honesty and Integrity: Truthful communication, transparent decision-making, and fair dealings.
2. Respect and Professionalism: Treat team members, stakeholders, and clients with respect, dignity, and courtesy.
3. Responsibility and Accountability: Take ownership of actions, decisions, and outcomes.
. Transparency and Open Communication: Share information, provide regular updates, and encourage open feedback.
. Confidentiality and Privacy: Protect sensitive information and maintain confidentiality when required.
. Quality and Excellence: Strive for high-quality work, continuous improvement, and innovative solutions.
. Sustainability and Environmental Awareness: Consider the environmental and social impact of projects.
Stakeholder Engagement and Management: Identify, analyze, and prioritize stakeholder needs and expectations
. Risk Management and Mitigation: Identify, assess, and mitigate risks to minimize harm.
. Continuous Learning and Improvement: Embrace learning, seek feedback, and apply lessons learned.
By embracing these ethical principles, project managers can build trust, foster collaboration, and deliver successful projects that benefit all stakeholders.