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.
© The Open University
Downloads
LYDIA EHEBHO
Acting ethically on a project is something of great concern if the project must come great. However, ethics on its own speaks of the way we behave in a certain situation.
The case study that was discussed above has the following project management skills
Firstly, the way in which Williams behaved was very appalling and if John had to follow suit, a lot will go wrong. so, in other to avoid issues with Williams, John chooses to do a tradeoff of character. Furthermore, Karenn on the other hand, has what is called RESPECT AND EMPATHY and she used it to communicate {COMMUNICATION} her observations to John without hurting his feeling in a bad way and this resolved the issue on ground.
John and Karen were both OBJECTIVE about the project and weren’t ready to compromise their chances of other jobs. And thus, COLLABORATED on the way forward.
William’s approach to the project did not include TRANSPARENCY.
John and Karen used their COMMUNICATION skills to brainstorm on how to mitigate the situation. This step helped them COLLABORATE with another organization. Their PROACTIVE approach assisted in building TEAMWORK with the other firm which led to a positive result for the next stage of the project.
Professional conduct of communication, honesty and proactiveness was displayed by both John and Karen in dealing with the situation
Some of the instances of professional conduct depicted here are: Responsibility and honesty.
Some of the skills employed to integrate ethical considerations include: Communication, Team work, Collaboration and Integrity.
In my opinion, communication gap was the main issue that, but teamwork has letar
From the case study, despite the level of experience and talent possessed by these team members, we can notice the dilemma of internal driven adversity creeping in initially. Ethical misbehaviors of Poor communication among team and Integrity defect which was almost being overlooked could have caused a significant damage to not just the project but the Company goals.
William have taken the direction of assumption and shortcut to research, John was almost towing same path even if he noticed the visible errors ahead, Karren who perceived herself a less contributor to step up the ethical standard was initially reluctant to do so but changed the game when she initiated the conversation with John. This broke the communication barrier hence every team member was able to express his/her opinion which brought feedback.
Ethical standard, Communication, Core Value of Organization and Team Management from internal stakeholders restored the live wire to the success of the project.
From this case study, its advisable never to look for easy way out or make assumptions when planning a project. If they had gone through with Williams decision to use the survey he was able to extract from the survey company, the project would have been a total failure.
From the way John and Karen reacted when Williams came up with his own plan, we could see that they objected to it but did not throw it at his face; instead, they were able to look for solution and everything finally went on well. Some of the characteristics of a good project manager were shown in their interactions. some of which are: Good communication, good team management, good feedback from people that will be involved in the project, they were able to understand the project and proffered solutions, they were able to follow the ethical aspect of their profession, good negotiation skills and time management skills.
Karen despite being junior portrayed professionalism in a great way. She found a way of putting herself across which did not offend John the project manager.
On the other hand, John had a listening ear despite his role which can be a sign of good leadership.
Team work was later brought into picture to work out identified issues.
So leadership skills
Team work
Professionalism are the skills that brought ethics into decisions.
Internally driven adversity in project management refers to challenges that originate within the organization or project team itself, rather than from external factors like clients or suppliers. From the case study some internal driven adversity identified include:
Poor Communication: Ineffective communication within the team can lead to misunderstandings, delays, and mistakes.
Lack of Clear Goals: When project goals are not clearly defined or understood by team members, it can cause confusion and inefficiency.
Inadequate Planning: rushed or incomplete planning
Team Conflict: Personality clashes or disagreements among team members can disrupt workflow and morale.
Addressing these internally driven adversities requires clear communication, strategic planning, and fostering a supportive team environment that is seeking support from others.
The big issue I observe here is a lack of communication and team work… As a team, you should work like a team and William was not a team player and Karen also put her assumption of John’s personal feelings over the project.
Karen and John finally brainstorming together and communicating brought about the resolving of the issue facing them. So, communication and honesty are skills that helped in this situation