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.
In my company, some of our values includes no stealing or fighting. Anyone found guilty is automatic termination of employment or contract. These has helped in maintaining order within the project team amidst conflicting opinions. And Zero tolerance to accident, our slogan is ” see something, say something and do something. All these helps to influence the decisions project team members make.
Ethics and values are essential in shaping the behaviour of employees in any organization. When these principles are upheld, they attract clients and customers, as they reflect positively on the company’s overall image and reputation.
Organization values such as commitment, excellence, and proactiveness are currently helping me carry out my tasks in a commendable manner.
They guide us to do work that is pleasing at the end of the day.
My organization practice confidentiality value. And this has become a culture even for new intake.
In my oganization, values play a crucial role in shaping the decision-making and behaviors of team members. Values such as integrity, collaboration, inclusivity, accountability, sustainability, and innovation create a framework that guides actions and interactions within the team. For instance, integrity fosters trust and transparency, encouraging open communication, while collaboration promotes teamwork, leading to diverse problem-solving approaches. Inclusivity ensures all voices are heard, enhancing engagement and satisfaction, whereas accountability inspires ownership of tasks, resulting in higher-quality outcomes. Prioritizing sustainability influences decisions to consider long-term impacts on the environment and society, and embracing innovation drives the exploration of new solutions and improvements. Respecting ethical values of the organization is essential and part the companies success.
My workspace values include:
Willingness; Extraordinary; Customer -Centric; Accountability; Respect; Empathy.
These values over the decades has proven to shape the organisation workforce, improved toxic-free workspace and continually benefit all stakeholders.
One thing I like about Project Managers is the fact that they are to do the right thing at all times bearing in mind the ethics and stipulated values of the role.
At my workplace, one of our culture is a customer-centric approach to resolving escalations and issues from our clients. Constructive and positive criticism is our focus internally to ensure smooth and good rapport amongst staff.
Project Managers are expected to work in line with the ethics of the job and at the same time be themselves and do the right thing always(integrity, transparency and honesty).
*Organizational Culture, Ethics, and Values in Project Management*
Organizational culture, ethics, and values significantly impact project management. Key aspects include:
– Organizational culture: shared values, norms, leadership style, communication, and work environment.
– Ethics: integrity, honesty, transparency, fairness, and accountability.
– Organizational values: respect, customer satisfaction, quality, innovation, and teamwork.
These factors influence:
– Decision-making
– Communication
– Team dynamics
– Risk management
– Stakeholder engagement
Project managers must consider:
– Cultural differences
– Conflicting values
– Communication barriers
– Resistance to change
– Ethical dilemmas
Best practices include:
– Leading by example
– Open communication
– Teamwork
– Customer satisfaction
– Continuous improvement
Tools and techniques:
– Cultural assessments
– Ethics training
– Value-based decision-making
– Stakeholder analysis
– Communication plans
Effective project management requires aligning organizational culture, ethics, and values with project objectives.
Key benefits:
– Improved decision-making
– Enhanced teamwork
– Increased customer satisfaction
– Better risk management
– Stronger stakeholder relationships
Organizational Ethics and Values are one of the basics Intending clients look at when scouting for the services of any company to transact business. It is non-verbal impression a client / Customer have about an organization or any cooperate body.
My Organization makes the ultimate satisfaction of our client a priority and overtime it has formed one of our core values. which I will list in no particular order but not limited to : Integrity, Innovation, Care, Respect, Teamwork, Inclusion. these and many other values have made Many Organization safe not just to invest but to work with and make inputs.
Ethics and values check mates the behavior of workers in an organization and when this is been in line clients and customers would be attracted to that organization