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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From the case study, it was clear that there was a lack of proper communication at the beginning. Williams failed to collaborate with team to do the research. He also did not engage people to get their actual responses to the poll. Karen, on her part was insincere and lacked candour because she was afraid of criticizing John and was more worried about her position in the firm. But they were able to overcome all these by communicating and doing research online. Also, Karen candidly pointed out where need to be corrected, which Jihn gladly accepted and worked on. Also they consulted another firm for more information.
From the scenario, one can say that William was not able to carry his team along due to lack of team collaboration skill which is contrary to the ethical conduct. He allowed his emotions to get over him, which negatively influenced his decision without collaboratig with other stakeholders.
However, John and Karen, were keen in making sure that due process were followed in order to identify where the project could meet bottleneck, which enable brainstorming.
Their decision to do the right thing yielded an excellent.
Issues of Professional Conduct
1. Questionable Research Integrity: The opinion research conducted by William’s team appears to have been manipulated to produce favorable results. This raises concerns about data reliability and potentially misleading the project stakeholders.
2. Conflict of Interest: William’s close relationship with the opinion research firm might have influenced the research process and the interpretation of findings. This creates a potential conflict of interest that could compromise objectivity.
3. Overemphasis on Short-Term Goals: The characters seem primarily focused on the immediate success of the project, potentially overlooking long-term consequences and ethical implications. This short-sighted approach can lead to unethical shortcuts.
Skills Used to Address Ethical Concerns
1. Critical Thinking: Karen demonstrates critical thinking by questioning the seemingly perfect results and recognizing potential flaws in the research. Her skepticism plays a crucial role in uncovering the ethical issues.
2. Open Communication: Karen’s willingness to have an open and honest conversation with John about her concerns fosters a collaborative environment where ethical dilemmas can be addressed.
3. Problem-Solving: Both Karen and John actively seek solutions to the ethical challenges they face. They explore alternative approaches and ultimately find a way to rectify the situation.
4. Collaboration: The characters work together to address the ethical issues, demonstrating the importance of teamwork and shared responsibility in upholding ethical standards.
Peter Benedict
As I studied this scenario I discovered that William did not displayed team work spirit, good communication even though he has on ground. On the other hand, John who is the project Manager, did not handle the situation rightly by rejecting the already made data. But Karen demonstrated team spirit, collaboration and good communication by not giving up despite the fact that she is new and learning on the job and her input and resistance, they were able to solve the problem on ground.
As I study this scenario, I noticed that
William exhibited a lack in communication, teamwork, team management and collaboration. He did not carry any of the team members along with his data collection process and went against the initial plan of organizing the engagement program when John arrived.
He displayed a lack of transparency , as he wasn’t transparent about how the data he presented was gotten.
John should have stuck to the plan regardless and he should have requested the engagement program be organized as planned. It was his duty as the Project manager to ensure every step and process of the project went according to the plan even if it meant rejecting the ready made data that was presented.
Some of the skills I recognize that was used to integrate ethical considerations into the decisions are
Courage: Karen knew there was an issue with the data, and she chose to speak up even if she knew it could potentially cause issues for her
Accountability and Transparency: when John was jokingly asked about the data, he didn’t pretend or try to deny that it indeed was an issue
Collaboration and Teamwork: after agreeing that the data might pose a risk to the next stage of the project, Karen and John worked together as a team to find a solution
Communication: As a result of Karen communicating with John and other team members, the problem was pinpointed and a solution was proffered
Critical thinking & problem solving skills: Karen was proactive by going online to research and find possible solutions
Empathy: Karen was empathetic in her approach and communication style when broaching the subject with John
For professional conduct, Karen had joined the firm for its reputation and she ensured she had secured her professional training (Skill: continuing professional development). As much as John was a senior with experience, it was still important to do research and properly analyze all the options because the report was too baked and did have visible red flags that which could potentially make the firm loose their work with the agency.
She was able to negotiate and put her communication skills to good use knowing fully well the risks.
William relied on his history with the research firm not considering that it could jeopardize the reputation of the new firm, being a start up. His lack of communication and being a team management forced John to accept the report against his code of practice at the initial phase
Karen thought of the box (ie. Applied creative problem solving skill)ensuring that all blanks were covered and the firm had a proofed report as well as the best engagement to carry out the task. She was thinking of the firm, she and John had shared values and through this they were able to shape a desirable outcome.
Njoku, Chidinma Ebunoluwa
Cohort 17 Team 7
Williams does not have communication skills with his team make and stakeholders. At the end there was teamwork, identification of problem, and there was proper communication which led them to solving the problems.
Williams fails in carrying out the ethics of conduct.He didn’t carry the stakeholders and team mates along
EKEMINI EBONG
COHORT 17 TEAM 6
As I reflect on this scenario, I notice some red flags:
1. William clearly exhibited lack of communication, collaboration, and team management skills as seen in the way that he failed to carry his teammate and stakeholders along.
2. William’s cozy relationship with the research firm raises questions about the integrity of the data and potential data manipulation.
3. His influence and connections could have swayed the engagement program’s outcome, which wasn’t cool.
What I appreciate is how Karen and John handled it. The following skills helped them make good choices:
1. Critical Thinking: Karen’s skepticism and critical thinking skills kicked in, making her question the report’s findings.
2. Good communication skills: She spoke up openly sharing her concerns and ideas with John and others, showing the importance of open communication.
3. Team work and Collaboration: They collaborated to find a solution, demonstrating teamwork and a commitment to doing what is right.
4. Integrity: Karen prioritized the firm’s reputation and integrity, even when it was tough.
5. Creative Problem-Solving: Karen thought outside the box and found a creative solution by partnering with a global firm.
6. Emotional Intelligence: Karen was aware of the office dynamics and potential impact words on relationships, thus, she was able to choose her words diplomatically, showing emotional intelligence.
7. Courage: She showed courage by speaking up, even when it was uncomfortable and risky.
These skills and values align with my own approach to navigating complex situations and making ethical choices.
Karen leading the right way to go about the idea helped out as both William and John were senior colleagues.