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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Instances of Professional Conduct
Raising concerns about questionable data – Karen noticed the engagement report’s “too perfect” results and, despite her probation, chose to discuss her concerns with John.
Collaborative problem-solving – John and Karen worked together to assess risks and possible actions rather than ignoring the issue.
Seeking independent verification – They engaged a global partner to review the local research, ensuring accuracy and integrity in the findings.
Prioritising long-term reputation – Decisions were guided by the potential impact on XYZ’s credibility with future clients, not just short-term project delivery.
Skills Used to Integrate Ethical Considerations
Critical thinking – Questioning overly smooth results and evaluating their plausibility.
Risk assessment – Mapping out consequences of acting vs. not acting to make an informed choice.
Courage and assertiveness – Willingness to challenge potentially flawed work despite personal or political risks.
Cultural sensitivity – Recognising the need to respect local practices while still meeting professional standards.
Resourcefulness – Identifying and contacting an external firm to validate the data.
These actions demonstrate that ethical project management often involves balancing diplomacy, accuracy, and long-term strategic thinking, even when it means taking the more challenging path.
Issues of professional conduct in the scenario
1. Initial reluctance to speak up : Karen hesitated to share her concerns because she was still in her probation period, showing a conflict between personal job security and professional duty.
2. Potential cultural differences in project delivery: William’s approach reflected local customs but didn’t align with the agreed project method, creating a tension between respecting local practice and maintaining agreed professional standards.
Skills used to bring ethics into decision-making
1. Collaboration & communication: Open discussion between John and Karen, and later with an external firm, to resolve the issue.
2. Cultural awareness: Recognizing that William’s approach was influenced by local practices, but still ensuring that project standards were met.
ISSUE OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT
1. Poor communication; this was between william and John
2. lack of Transparency
Ethical Decision making
1. Critical Thinking; Ability to think for solution among themselves in fixing the problem
2. Teamwork; Engaging other organisation brought progress to the project
There were a few issues I observed.
• William’s approach to work was flawed, choosing to take the easier method rather than the more meticulous, more credible approach. This oversight would have caused future problems in the project that would have been avoidable otherwise. He also erroneously concluded, before hand, the credibility of XYZ company, this is a bad approach that alters the way you can work with stakeholders on a project and can create a bias and reduce efficiency of work.
• John could have been more assertive in sticking to protocol. He was fortunately open-minded enough to inquire from and listen to Karen’s suggestions, saving them risks and time. He presented himself as approachable
He didn’t communicate his concerns and rather went with the flow.
•Karen was bold enough to hold on to and speak her opinions. Did the ground work even even she didn’t need to and was assertive. She was skeptical and smart, employed her reasoning and trust/followed her gut in spotting out the issues.
Effective communication, integrity, hardwork (rather than cutting corners) and openness are essential in
IDENTIFICATION OF ISSUES OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT IN THIS SCENARIO
NONCOMPLIANCE
William chose to bypass the established procedures by using what could be described as a “short-cut format.” This decision ignored the proper protocols that were in place to guide the project, potentially putting its quality, compliance, and credibility at risk. In professional practice, noncompliance not only undermines organizational processes but can also lead to reputational damage and stakeholder mistrust.
LACK OF TRANSPARENCY AND POOR COMMUNICATION
William did not engage in the required stakeholder and team engagement process, nor did he openly communicate his actions and decisions to his colleagues. Transparency is essential for building trust and ensuring everyone understands the project’s direction. By withholding key information, he limited his team’s ability to collaborate effectively and make informed contributions.
NO COLLABORATION
Believing that his years of experience with the firm entitled him to dictate the process and outcomes, William worked in isolation, excluding his colleagues from critical decision-making. Collaboration is not only a professional expectation—it is also essential for producing well-rounded, inclusive, and innovative outcomes. His approach risked alienating team members and overlooking valuable perspectives.
THE ETHICAL SKILLS USED IN THIS SCENARIO
CRITICAL THINKING
Karen carefully evaluated the potential consequences of ignoring the flawed process versus challenging the validity of the report. Her ability to weigh risks and benefits demonstrated sound judgment and a commitment to ethical decision-making.
HONEST CONSULTATION AND REFLECTION
John openly sought Karen’s opinion, creating a space for dialogue and shared problem-solving. This collaboration allowed them to reflect on their strategy, identify shortcomings, and adjust their approach to ensure proper engagement for the report.
PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ETHICAL AWARENESS
John and Karen displayed strong professional capability, delivering their responsibilities effectively while demonstrating a clear understanding of their firm’s ethical standards. Their conduct reflected accountability, respect for procedure, and dedication to maintaining the integrity of the work.
1.Issues of Professional Conduct:
Lack of transparency: The engagement process wasnt done as planned, and the report may not
be reliable.
Complacency: John didnt question the report at first, despite concerns.
Fear of speaking up: Karen was hesitant to raise issues due to her personal intrest .
2. Ethical Decision-Making Skills Used:
Critical thinking: John and Karen weighed the risks of ignoring vs. addressing the issue.
Honest communication: Karen raised concerns respectfully, opening the door to action.
Integrity: John chose to investigate instead of taking the easy route.
Teamwork: They worked together to fix the problem without damaging relationships
Chukwuma Favour Nmesoma
Cohort 27, team 3
Professional Conduct & Ethical Skills Displayed in the XYZ Case Study
1. Karen’s Integrity and Courage to Speak Up.
Professional Conduct: Karen was initially hesitant due to her probation status, but she eventually voiced her concern about the report looking “too perfect.”
Ethical Skill— *Integrity and Courage*
She chose to speak the truth despite potential consequences to her job security or office relationships. She didn’t jump to conclusions but first analyzed the situation with John.
2. John’s Openness and Responsiveness
Professional Conduct — John didn’t ignore Karen’s concern. He invited her to be honest and spent time analyzing the risks and next steps.
Ethical Skill — Listening and Leadership
A good leader listens and creates a safe space for concerns to be raised. John collaborated with Karen and took action to prevent future risk.
3. Karen’s Initiative to Find a Solution
Professional Conduct— Karen didn’t stop at pointing out the issue; she researched alternatives and found a global firm that could validate the local research.
Ethical Skill— Problem-solving and Accountability.
She showed initiative, didn’t leave the burden solely on John, and helped ensure the work was reliable.
4. Choosing Long-term Reputation Over Short-term Success
Professional Conduct— Both John and Karen recognized that accepting the “perfect report” would be easier now but damaging later.
Ethical Skill— Strategic Thinking & Professional Integrity
They chose to protect the firm’s reputation by ensuring quality, even though it delayed the next phase.
IDENTIFICATION OF ISSUES OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT IN THIS SCENERIO
NONCOMPLIANCE
William decided to use what I call “a short-cut format” to by-cut all the necessary procedure the project should have followed.
LACK OF TRANSPARENCY AND POOR COMMUNICATION
William did not do the engagement process and he wasn’t transparent enough to communicate it with his colleagues.
NO COLLABORATION
William felt that he has been working with the firm for quite a long time to dictate what should be done and what the outcome of the event or result would be. He decided to work without his colleagues.
THE ETHICAL SKILLS USED IN THIS SCENERIO
(1) CRITICAL THINKING
Karen weighed the risk of ignoring vs. challenging the outcome of the report.
(2) John honestly sought after Karen’s opinion which helped them reflected on the strategy that got them the right engagement that they needed the report.
(3) John and Karen showed that they are capable of delivering their jobs and they understand the ethics of their firm.