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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Issues of Professional Conduct in the Case Study
1. Lack of Transparency in Stakeholder Engagement Issue: The stakeholder engagement program, a critical part of the project, was conducted by a local opinion research firm without the involvement or prior knowledge of XYZ Consultancy. It also reflects poor communication and collaboration between the client agency (represented by William) and XYZ Consultancy.
2. Ethical Concerns About Report Credibility Issue: Karen identified that the engagement report seemed “too perfect,” with no issues flagged across key parameters. This raised doubts about the authenticity and reliability of the findings. Why it’s a problem: Proceeding with a potentially flawed report could jeopardize the project’s success and damage XYZ’s reputation.
Skills used to help bring ethics into decisions.
1. Integrity: Acting honestly and ensuring the accuracy of work.
2. Courage: Speaking up or taking action even when it feels risky.
.3. Reputation: Protecting the long-term trust and credibility of an organization.
4. Accountability: Taking responsibility for ensuring quality and ethical standards.
5. Collaboration: Working together to solve problems ethically and effectively.
This case study highlights in my point of view a breach of the following professional ethics:
Bypassing proper research protocols
Lack of transparency
Bypassing proper communication protocol
Lack of team consultation
Bypassing appropriate stakeholder communication and feedback evaluation.
While there was a party that embodied critical thinking, he was hesitant to communicate his thoughts to the defaulting party.
Karen on the other hand didn’t just stop at critical thinking and troubleshooting eventual problems that might arise as a result of the ethical breach but she was able to boldly communicate her thoughts and didn’t fold under the lack of acknowledgement that was first shown when she communicated her thoughts.
I think one highlight on this case study is gathering of feedback, communication and listening skills too, which is very important in project management.
Ubong Etim (for Ubama Solutions)
The scenario highlights issues of transparency, potential conflict of interest, questionable research integrity, outcome-driven bias, and fear of speaking up. Ethical resolution was achieved through critical thinking, professional skepticism, structured risk analysis, open communication, strategic foresight, due diligence, and ethical courage.
The role was most played well by Karen.
Thank you.
Firstly I think one of the professional conduct highlighted on this case study is meeting with stakeholders and then gathering of feedback which is very important in project management.
For the skills employed to integrate was firstly, having an Eagle eyes, which is the ability to see things that can or will ruin the project.
Loveable hard access paved the way for a clear communication and honesty.
I also think they were able to employ the characteristics of p.ms being Chaos junkies.
I observed a few issues of profession conduct:
1. Conflict of Interest between William and John: With William already working on the report without carrying John along.
2. Lack of honesty and transparency: William did not give the details of the research done to arrive at the report to John, and also failed to provide further information about the report.
3. Integrity of the research: The report seemed too good to be true without pointing out the potential risks that might be encountered.
The skills that were used to resolve this include:
1. Critical thinking: Karen expressed critical thinking by reviewing the report, talking to other employees and suggesting contacting a big company to reach out to the local firm directly without ruining the relationship between the firm and William.
2. Communication: Karen expressed effective communication by talking to John in a way that does not compromise her standing in the firm and professional relationship with John.
Deborah Asekome Cohort 31. Team 3 1. Professional Conduct Issues
The research may not have been done properly.
The results looked “too perfect,” which raised doubts.
There was pressure to accept the report and move on.
Karen was afraid to speak up because she was still on probation.
2. Skills Used to Make Ethical Decisions
Questioning things that don’t look right.
Courage to speak up.
Listening and open discussion.
Thinking about long-term reputation, not just quick success.