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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Acting Ethically…..Ejiro Ogbon
William was not willing to go through the hurdles of problem-solving, he lacked communication skills and team management skills as seen in the way that he failed to carry his teammates and stakeholders along.
In the end teamwork/collaboration, communication with all stakeholders involved, risk management, identification of problems/challenges, critical thinking/brainstorming as well as solving these problems paid off even though it took more time and effort than William would have preferred.
William failed in following the ethics of conduct by not involving and carry the stakeholders and team members along
The issue of professional misconduct seen in the scenario painted is that of lack of communication and team management. Communication between the three representative of the team was not cordial. Also not being able to confirm to ethical standards and organizational value contributed to the misunderstanding of the team. The skill used to bring ethics into the decision used by the people involved in the scenario was organizational skill, communication skill and team management
William went over board initially by taking decisions on his own and not carrying his team (John and Karen) member along which, shows lack of effective communication within the team also leading to conflicts arising between the team
The team was able to resolve the issue by communicating effectively with each other setting aside their personal views and making the success of the project their goal
Proper Research on the problems identified and possible solutions helped the team
Collaborating and working together as a team was a major skill effectively utilized in resolving the problems encountered.
Gbemisola Atunda-olu Cohort 17 Group 5
Williams refusal to have the necessary stakeholders hold a meeting to assess all risk factors that could affect the project negates ethical conducts whereas putting John and Karen in a tight spot. Below are some of the skills employed for the project to become a success;
Communication skills
Problem-solving skills
Forecasting potential risks associated with the execution of a project and eliminating them
Time Management
Issues of Professional Conduct
1. Accuracy and Integrity of Reporting:
The engagement report provided by the local opinion research firm appeared overly favorable, raising concerns about its accuracy and the potential for biased or incomplete data
2. Pressure to Conform:
John and Karen faced pressure to accept the report as is and move forward with the project, potentially at the expense of thoroughness and transparency.
This pressure could lead to ethical compromise if the team prioritized project timelines over accurate data and honest reporting.
Some of the issues of professional conduct featured in this case are:
1) A communication line breakdown
2) A lack of conformity to organisational values and ethical standards. For instance, the majority of Williams’ work was influenced by personal views and opinions, and team members did not communicate well or often enough.
The skills that were used by those involved are:
1) Communication skill
2) Team management skill
3) Leadership skill
4) Organizational skill
Karen and John made sure that all due process were followed which helped them to identify some potential problems and ways to address those issues.
Lawrence C Johnson
PM Cohort17 team 6.
Initially, Williams actions towards achieving the set goal was unethical as he boycotts his colleagues into getting the reports from a third-party and solely relying on the reports without proper scrutiny. Hence, defeating the aim of John’s involvement on the trip.
Also, the acceptance of the outsourced report from the opinion research firm shows lack of critical evaluation from the team.
Karen’s fear of repercussion made her to be reluctant about questioning the outcome of the reports even when in doubt, shows the gap in communication between the team, and a show of supremacy from team leads.
Issues of Professional Conduct
Accuracy of the Engagement Report: William’s decision to accept a report based on incomplete engagement activities undermines the report’s credibility and the project’s integrity.
Fear of Repercussions: Karen’s reluctance to criticize the report due to concerns about career impact highlights a lack of open communication and ethical culture in the workplace.
Skills Reflection
Critical Thinking: Karen used critical thinking to question the validity of the report.
Communication: John and Karen effectively communicated their concerns and plans.
Problem-Solving: They resolved the issue by arranging an independent review of the data.
Ethical Leadership: Both prioritized the project’s success and firm’s reputation over personal risks.
Negotiation and Influence: They negotiated with a global firm to ensure accurate data and project integrity.
Issues of professional conduct featured in this scenario:
1. *Misrepresentation of work*: William’s claim that the engagement program had already been conducted, when in fact it was outsourced to an opinion research firm, raises concerns about transparency and honesty.
2. *Lack of critical evaluation*: The initial acceptance of the report’s findings without critically assessing the methodology and potential biases may compromise the project’s integrity.
3. *Fear of speaking up*: Karen’s initial hesitation to express her concerns about the report due to fear of repercussions or impacting office dynamics highlights the importance of a supportive and open work environment.
Skills used to bring ethics into decisions:
1. *Critical thinking*: Karen’s skepticism and critical evaluation of the report’s findings demonstrate the importance of objective analysis.
2. *Effective communication*: Karen’s ability to discuss her concerns with John and colleagues, and John’s openness to feedback, showcase the value of transparent communication.
3. *Collaboration*: The involvement of a third-party firm to review the opinion research firm’s work illustrates the benefits of seeking external expertise and collaboration to ensure ethical standards.
4. *Long-term thinking*: Karen’s consideration of the firm’s reputation and potential impact on future clients demonstrates a commitment to ethical decision-making and long-term consequences.
5. *Courage and integrity*: Karen’s willingness to speak up and challenge the status quo, despite potential risks, exemplifies the importance of ethical courage and integrity in professional conduct.