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.
Sanctity of human life
Compassion for humanity
Discipline
Team work
Accountability
It is very important for everyone man to have morals principle and value. i remember growing up we are always asked to say the truth. That has guide my path and my ways of doing things.
I am an export supervisor and logistics specialist in my organization and we keep strong and enduring values that foster various projects and these values are are as follows:
Give respect, get respect:
Treat people the way, you want to be treated. This also includes finding ways of getting things done in a respectful manner . This as of value helps to acknowledge the importance of individual respect between peer projects /stakeholders.
Communicate positively and professionally:
Praise positive behaviors and a job well done. Engage people .Give direct feedback and ensure criticism is constructive .walk away from gossip. In project management constant communication is the key to understanding the possible areas where lopeholes might occur for earlier corrections.
Lead by example:
Use your leadership and managerial skills to model respectful, professional and ethical behaviors.
As a project manager in view, this values highlight the need to show to other stakeholders respectful attitudes to create a level ground of work environment .
Engage ethically and honestly:
Avoid conflict of interest , counter corruption and do not take bribes. Ensure accurate and compete financial reporting.
Take Ownedship:
Follow up on your promises .manage expectations . Manage stress in the right way, taking g care of yourself and other if there is an issue, don’t shy away but resolve .That is showing ownership and critical to your success.
Embrace diversity:
Embrace each other’s unique qualities and difference – different genders, different tribes different , nationalities to name a few.
Be a team player:
You are a part of a team , a company and a community. The whole is stronger than individual. Work with colleagues in your direct team and accross-functional teams to achieve impactful results.
No project manager or project management can actually be a sucess if this key factor is not put into consideration.
The organization has a value of punctuality and diligence ,these values have helped in maintaining the organization’s standard and goal as failure in these values will jeopardize the company goals
It is true that every organization has value which has to do with their organizational culture and believe.
Some of the values in my organization is diligent, discipline, productivity and effective service delivery.
Your article helped me a lot, is there any more related content? Thanks!
Values are very important as it guide the mode of attitude and behaviour of individual in a social set up or organization.
In my organization for instance, our core values are:
a). Honesty & Integrity
b). Discipline
c). Team work
d). Quality services Delivery.
These are things that motivates us and most of our operational activities are based on them. Therefore, as a project manager, the understanding of these coupled with the technical skills would enable good delivery of projects even if all else remains constant.
In my Organisation, some of our Core Values are;
1. Timeliness
2. Innovation
3. Excellence
Relating it the above listed values to Project Management, Timeliness is a watch word that is very essential for a Project Manager
As a techie in the tech space, innovation is a must. Project Managers are expected to come up with strategies & ideas on projects
In conclusion, as a Project Manager, you’re expected to apply excellence in your job, go the extra mile, apply effort in your deliveries so that in the long run, your effort will speak in your project
Some of the core values at my workplace are teamwork, accountability, integrity etc. These values have led to a high level of trust from past clients, teamwork has brought about unity and this had made achieving goals and meeting targets much easier and faster .
Integrity and honesty are some of our core values at my place of work.
These values influence most of the things we do from building trust to ensuring ethical decision-making as well as encouraging accountability. When you are truthful, people easily align with you and see you as reliable and relationships are strengthened.
Bringing these values into a project will not only influence a strong foundation for effective leadership and reliable project outcomes, but also bring about a positive workplace culture.
In my organisation our core values are:
Honesty
Teamwork
Accountability
Transparency
Empathy
Dignity in labour