As we talked about before in this module, it’s important for project managers to work ethically. This means doing the right thing, not just following rules. There are written rules and laws, but there are also moral rules and values.
What are these moral rules and values? Let’s break it down with some explanations and examples.
Moral rules are like a list of dos and don’ts for how a person should behave. For instance, one moral rule is “don’t steal.”
Values are strong beliefs that guide how we act in different situations. They show what we think is good behavior. Values can be personal, but they can also be shared in groups like companies. When a bunch of people in the same group share these values, they shape how everyone acts in that group.
In companies, these shared values are super important. They make up the core of what the company’s culture is all about. These values are a small set of important beliefs that don’t change much, and they really influence how people act at work.
For example, The Open University (2019) has some values they believe in:
In our work, we stick to The Open University values of being inclusive, innovative, and responsive.
The value of being inclusive and innovative is a big part of what people do at The Open University. They use this value to make sure everyone can access knowledge through new and creative solutions.
Values and moral rules help everyone know how to behave in a group or at work. It’s good to think about them to understand how they affect the decisions we make when working on projects.
Think about the values your workplace or a group you’re in follows. Can you name some of these values? How do these values affect how you work on projects? Share your thoughts with other learners in the discussion below.
As an Operations Officer in an aviation industry my Organization upholds some core values which must be employed in my daily work routine.
Job Ownership – I chose to be responsible and diligent to my job and Standards and Practice as if its my own Company
Integrity and Discipline – For be relevant, gain trust and growth with clients, integrity and discipline can not be downplayed.
Customer Care – For an Organisation dealings with thousands of travelers on daily basis, customer care ethics must be adhered to
Pursuit of Excellence – The goal of excellence and winning at all level must not be lost in sight with any task give
As someone that led a sales team in wine distribution campany,
The values my company BPMC PTY has been operating under are that people or clients are the center of our growth and respect should be given at all times. We laid few principles guiding those; that every human, whether a customer or not, they must be treated with humility and be made feel warmth in our midst. People First, Redressing, Time consciousness and Commitment to serving are some of those values we operate on and they are not to be deterred. This puts this small business under good control and it gives us more credibility and recognition.
I was part of a volunteer group during the period of my national youth service; what we do is that we go out to schools and communities to sensitize people all about HIV/AIDs and part of our values are;
1. Effectively communicate the right information to our audience
2. Be trustworthy
3. Empathetic but not overly and a host of others
As a client relationship manager, some values expected from me towards my client and organization are:
1. Confidentiality: being privy to client’s private data means that you are expected to keep them confidential to third parties.
2. Respect: all parties involved should be treated with respect.
3. Compliance: regulations should be complied with.
These values help to create a safe environment for clients and organizations to work together.
Values significantly impact my effectiveness and approach as an Adherence Counselor or GBV Counselor. These values guide my interactions with clients, influence my decision-making, and shape my overall professional conduct. Here are some key values:
1. Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of my clients helps in building trust and rapport, making my clients feel heard and supported.
2. Compassion: By Showing genuine concern and a desire to help them makes a significant difference in the healing and recovery process of the clients.
3. Respect: By treating my clients with dignity, regardless of their background or circumstances, fosters a safe and non-judgmental environment.
4. Confidentiality: By protecting the privacy of my clients is crucial in maintaining trust and ensuring they feel secure in sharing sensitive information with me
5. Integrity: Being honest and maintaining strong moral principles builds credibility and reliability in our counselor-client relationship.
6. Patience: By understanding that progress can be slow and being willing to support my clients at their own pace is essential for long-term success.
7. Non-judgmental Attitude: Accepting clients without bias or prejudice ensures makes them feel valued and respected, which is vital for their self-esteem and trust.
8. Commitment: By showing dedication to my clients’ well-being and consistently following through on promises and responsibilities.
9.Cultural Sensitivity: Being aware of and respectful towards the cultural backgrounds of clients, can significantly impact their experiences and perceptions.
10.Empowerment: Encouraging my clients to take control of their own lives and decisions fosters independence and resilience.
These values are fundamental in ensuring that I can effectively support and guide my clients through their challenges, fostering a positive and therapeutic environment.
As an IT professional, some key ethical, codes, and moral values in the field include:
1. Confidentiality: Protect sensitive information and maintain the privacy of clients and customers.
2. Integrity: Act with honesty, transparency, and consistency at all times.
3. Objectivity: Make unbiased decisions, avoiding conflicts of interest.
4. Respect: Treat colleagues, clients, and users with dignity and respect.
5. Accountability: Take responsibility for actions, decisions, and their consequences.
6. Professional Development: Stay current with industry developments, best practices, and continuous learning.
7. Security: Prioritize data protection, system security, and privacy.
8. Fairness: Ensure equal access, opportunities, and treatment for all.
9. Compliance: Adhere to laws, regulations, and industry standards.
10. Social Responsibility: Consider the social impact of work, promoting positive change.
Some relevant codes and frameworks in my profession include:
1. ACM Code of Ethics
2. IEEE Code of Ethics
3. ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) Framework
4. COBIT (Control Objectives for Information and Related Technologies) Framework
5. GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) and other data protection regulations
These values, codes, and frameworks guide IT professionals in making ethical decisions, ensuring responsible behavior, and promoting trust in the profession.
As an Operations Officer in an aviation industry my Organization upholds some core values which must be employed in my daily work routine.
Job Ownership – I chose to be responsible and diligent to my job and Standards and Practice as if its my own Company
Integrity and Discipline – For be relevant, gain trust and growth with clients, integrity and discipline can not be downplayed.
Customer Care – For an Organisation dealings with thousands of travelers on daily basis, customer care ethics must be adhered to
Pursuit of Excellence – The goal of excellence and winning at all level must not be lost in sight with any task given
As someone that led a sales team in wine distribution campany, I’m passionate about delivering exceptional results while staying true to our organization’s values. For me, it’s not just about meeting customer demands or achieving sales targets – it’s about building meaningful relationships with our clients and partners, and ensuring that every bottle of wine that leaves our warehouse is a testament to our commitment to quality and excellence.
Some of my organizations values includes; Impartiality, integrity, Credibility, transparency,, equity, excellence and team work.
Working largely with people, these values aid in keeping me in check thereby making me more considerate of people and their needs, while avoiding bias.
I worked as A customer care representative typically I possesse the following characteristics:
1. **Communication Skills:** Clear and effective communication, both verbal and written.
2. **Patience:** Ability to stay calm and patient, even with challenging customers.
3. **Empathy:** Understanding and caring about customers’ needs and feelings.
4. **Problem-Solving Skills:** Ability to identify issues and find solutions quickly.
5. **Adaptability:** Flexibility to handle various customer inquiries and adapt to new situations.
6. **Product Knowledge:** In-depth understanding of the company’s products or services.
7. **Active Listening:** Paying full attention to customers to understand their concerns.
8. **Positive Attitude:** Maintaining a positive and friendly demeanor.
9. **Time Management:** Efficiently managing time to handle multiple inquiries.
10. **Attention to Detail:** Ensuring accuracy in information provided and actions taken.