Acting ethically – (PM Course Discussion)

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 – (PM Course Discussion)

2,609 thoughts on “Acting ethically – (PM Course Discussion)

  1. Karen questioned the validity of the engagement report despite her probation status, demonstrating critical thinking and courage to prioritize the firm’s reputation over personal discomfort.

    John encouraged open feedback and worked collaboratively with Karen to assess risks, showcasing open communication and problem solving skills, while prioritizing integrity.

    Karen resourcefulness led to involving a reputable firm to validate the report, ensuring transparency and accuracy, which preserved the project’s credibility.

    Both evaluated potential risks and focused on the long term impact on the firm’s reputation, demonstrating risk assessment and ethical leadership.

    This case emphasizes the importance of integrity, collaboration and a long term perspective in resolving challenges ethically and professionally.

  2. Professional Conduct Issues in the Scenario
    Misrepresentation of Data and Methodology
    William prematurely concluded the engagement phase without conducting the proper forums as planned, relying instead on a potentially biased report. This undermines the credibility of the process and raises concerns about professional integrity.
    Pressure to Avoid Criticism
    Karen felt hesitant to challenge the report because she feared being perceived as critical of John, particularly as she was still on probation. This indicates a potential issue with open communication and psychological safety within the workplace.
    Conflict Between Short-Term and Long-Term Goals
    John and Karen were faced with the decision to either proceed with a flawed report, risking the project’s future, or challenge it, potentially jeopardizing relationships with the client. Balancing immediate results with maintaining ethical standards was a key challenge.
    Skills Used to Bring Ethics Into Decision-Making
    Critical Thinking
    Karen identified inconsistencies in the report and critically evaluated its potential risks to the project.
    Collaboration and Communication
    Karen and John worked together to map out the potential consequences of different decisions, fostering a solution-focused approach.
    Problem-Solving
    After seeking input from colleagues and conducting research, Karen devised a solution by involving a global firm to verify the local researchers’ methods and data.
    Integrity and Courage
    Despite the risks, Karen and John chose to address the issue, prioritizing ethical practices over convenience or short-term gain.
    Reflection on Ethical Decision-Making
    This scenario highlights the importance of maintaining integrity, fostering open communication, and balancing client expectations with ethical standards. The decision to rectify the engagement process demonstrated a commitment to professionalism and long-term trust with clients, even at the cost of immediate challenges.

  3. There was no proper communication,mr john should have discussed and communicated with his team in the first place to get other opinion then they wouldn’t have a problem

  4. Problem solving, critical thinking, and communication skills, as well as teamwork, helped them in handling the problem. Collaboration is crucial in a project; for example, in Willian’s case, he excluded the project team from his findings.

  5. Critical thinking:thinking out of the box.
    Ethical responsibility: Putting the project’s integrity first over personal own.
    Collaborative Problem-Solving Teamwork
    Integrity and Transparency
    Honesty and communication

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