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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William lacks the ability to work with team
Karen and John works as a team and utilizes every resources available for them without breaking ethics.
1. Karen’s Integrity and Courage to Raise Concerns
Karen suspects that the engagement report is too “perfect” to be reliable. Despite being on probation and fearing it could affect her standing, she reflects on her professional duty to speak up.
She doesn’t dismiss her concerns; instead, she engages John in a candid conversation, guided by facts and professional judgment.
Skill shown: Integrity, ethical courage, risk awareness, and critical thinking.
2. John’s Openness and Willingness to Re-evaluate
Initially excited about the project, John is surprised and possibly unsettled by William’s early conclusion that the engagement work is already done.
After Karen voices her concern, John listens objectively, spends time reviewing the issue with her, and collaborates to explore alternative actions.
Skill shown: Professional humility, collaboration, openness to scrutiny, and risk analysis.
3. Collaborative Problem-Solving
John and Karen don’t rush to whistle-blow or reject the work without evidence. They conduct a risk-mapping exercise to weigh the consequences of accepting or challenging the report.
Eventually, they find a constructive and ethical route by engaging a larger, reputable firm to verify the local research.
Skill shown: Ethical decision-making, stakeholder analysis, and problem-solving under pressure.
Integration of Ethical Considerations
Accountability & Reputation: Karen emphasizes the firm’s reputation and long-term credibility, showing a value-based perspective rather than just focusing on short-term project goals.
Transparency: They don’t cover up the concern. Instead, they involve third-party experts to ensure the project’s foundation is ethically and professionally sound.
Balancing Interests: They consider the risks to the client, the firm, and the community served by the project — demonstrating ethical sensitivity and stakeholder consideration.
Recognized Skills:
Ethical awareness and reflection
Open communication
Team collaboration
Risk assessment
Courage to challenge status quo
Value-based decision-making
The problems include a lack of time management and Inadequate communication among team members
Williams didn’t run his research process by his other team members before starting neither did he do a due diligence on the reports he was given .
Karen and John communicated with each other about the reports given by Williams and they did an analysis on the report, a proper report search and came up with the possible risks to be encountered and the solutions to them
Idoko pecious
Group 5cohort 26
The three things I learned from our online tutor on dealing with difficult decisions as regard acting ethically are
1:The decision to terminate a project early base on certain reasons like technical issues, funds etc
2:communication barriers as against partnering with international client
Though this issues can be resolved
According to our tutor they made use of various remedy
Like contingency, compromise also
The problems are:
Lack of communication
Inability to work as a team member
Proper research
Solutions to the issues
Good Communication skills
Research skills
Team work
Collaboration and critical thinking
Problem solving skills
The issued i recognized them facing was;
1. Poor communication
2. Neglect
3. Lack of teamwork
The solutions were;
1. Clear communication
2. Critical thinking, research skill and empathy on the side of Karen
Issues they faced
Lack of communication
Misunderstanding among team members
Solution to the issues
Good Communication
Research skills
Team work
Collaboration and critical thinking
Problem solving skills
Some of the issues encountered were:
1. Self interest
2. Neglect
3. Lack of good communication.
Some skills used in resolving the issues
1. Communication
2. Due diligence
3. Transparency
4. Team work
This scenario showcases exemplary professional conduct and ethical decision-making skills, highlighting the importance of:
1. *Accurate data*: John’s insistence on a proper meeting ensured reliable data for decision-making.
2. *Integrity and critical thinking*: Karen’s willingness to question the report’s validity demonstrated professional integrity.
3. *Risk assessment and management*: John and Karen’s methodical approach evaluated potential risks and consequences.
4. *Collaboration and problem-solving*: Karen’s initiative to seek advice and involve a reputable global firm ensured an ethical resolution.
5. *Commitment to quality and transparency*: The team’s pursuit of a deeper investigation demonstrated their commitment to high-quality work and transparency.
The skills employed for ethical decision-making include:
1. *Critical thinking*: Analyzing the situation beyond surface-level information.
2. *Risk management*: Evaluating potential risks and consequences.
3. *Collaboration and communication*: Engaging with colleagues and external partners.
4. *Integrity and professional ethics*: Prioritizing honesty and transparency.
5. *Problem-solving and initiative*: Proactively researching solutions.
This scenario reinforces the importance of ethical leadership in project management, ensuring genuine stakeholder engagement and proper risk management.