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
From the point of John and William, there was a huge communication gap which resulted in to lack of collaboration between them. Karen, on the other hand, was skeptical and quick to anticipate project risks, although she was scared to voice her concerns so as not to offend John. I think it was a great PM skill John showcased by nudging Karen to speak up, because doing this makes them aware of the problem, analyzes the risk, and comes up with a viable solution.
From this scenario there were concerns about integrity and honesty about the engagement report. John and Karen showed professional skepticism and a commitment to ensuring accuracy of the report.
Skills used by John and Karen include: critical thinking
Collaboration and communication
Stakeholder consideration
Professional judgement
William seemed focused only on moving to the next big stage of the project, without considering the accuracy of the engagement results or the potential impact on the firm’s reputation. Karen, on the other hand, demonstrated strong communication and teamwork skills. She showed leadership by recognizing the risks early, voicing her concerns to John, and helping to find a solution. Although John and Karen eventually worked together to resolve the issue, initially, the team lacked collaboration. Despite their strengths, this situation highlighted the importance of working as a cohesive team to ensure ethical standards and project success.
From the scenario, there is no transparency and adequate communication between John and William. The reason for John’s visit was not explicitly stated.
The skill that helped to bring ethics into the decision is good communication skills. Karen knew when to bring it up and when not to which resulted in solving the issue.
In this case study, I noticed Karen play the role of a project manager by communicating to not only John but, the other project team. She portrays a good communicating skill, finished her professional development courses, dealt with issues and she researched. both John and Karen did great works in communicating and carrying the stakeholders along in the project.
In the case study , key issues of professional conduct include a lack of transparency in project execution and Karen’s hesitation to voice concerns about an overly positive report, which raises ethical questions about honesty and accountability. Skills that helped address these issues include effective communication, as demonstrated by John’s open discussions with Karen, and critical thinking, evident in Karen’s proactive approach to seek independent verification of the report’s findings. These skills fostered an environment of collaboration and integrity, crucial for navigating ethical challenges in the project.
From the case study, there were issues with proper communication, First of, Mr. Williams wasn’t truly ethical in his decisions, According to the project, XYZ firm were to carryout a survey to ascertain how the project will be executed.
The stakeholders were not properly communicated to and l feel Mr. John should have suggested that despite the reports given to them, if he could carryout his own research
Then the research firm should have been introduced to XYZ so that they could work together as they are naive of the place.
Karen did a fantastic job, bringing to light the possible risks and finding solutions to the problem, thereby upholding the integrity of the organization, by not shying away from the problems, thereby making XYZ build a formidable reputation.
My observation,the reports were critically analyst, as PM when one has a project , think about all the possible risks and offer solution by being an excellent communicator and by carrying both stakeholders and team members along
I noticed lack of communication between the William and John. John who happened to come up with the project plan also could not share it with William. Karen was bias about sharing her clear review as she thought it will jeopardize her job.
They all seemed to be good at their jobs but they lacked proper team work.
Mr. William is not a team player, is overconfident, and bypassed due processes to get immediate results. These are weaknesses that are not good for organizational growth and almost made the company lose an important client that would give the company the exposure that it needs.
Mr. John, on the other hand, is a patient and calculative expert who understands that teamwork, effective communication, and observing the right ethics at work are very key in achieving a common goal, which paid off because he asked the right person the right questions.
Karen, although a newbie, had an idea about the project but was quite scared to say something because she recently joined the company for its reputation, wanted to do well in her probation months, and chose to believe that Mr. William knew what he was doing. But eventually, she was able to build the confidence to share her honest review of the project with Mr. John, and their collaborative effort saved the project from being a huge failure and also saved the reputation of the company she worked for.
This case study shows some ethical problems, like not being honest about how things were done, skipping the agreed process, and being afraid to speak up. At first, Karen and John had doubts about the report but didn’t act right away. Later, they worked together to look into the issue, talked openly, and found a better way to get accurate feedback by involving another research firm. Their actions helped protect the project and the firm’s good name, showing how clear thinking, honesty, and teamwork can lead to the right decisions.