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.
Working with an estate management firm as an intern, I would like to share their core values which are Transparency, Adequate delivery, discipline and teamwork. This set of values help us to remain focused and ensuring that the organisation provides standard services to their clients.
i will call my university an organisation and the core values we ran with were aptly abbreviated into SIMCARDS even though aren’t allowed lol. they stand for Spirituality, Integrity, Possibility Mentality, Capacity Building, responsibility, Diligence and Sacrifice. Having that alone made my stay at school much easier because it was a good foundation that shaped my current values today. and coupled with the core values from My PPA – SON (Expertise, Discipline, Integrity, Customer Focus and Teamwork -EDICT). When integrating all these into your life, knowing they align well with your person. the work runs smoother and there’s harmony.
Cohort 24, Team 10
Below are some of the values for the organization that I am currently working for ,which are also in line with the values that a project manager should possess.
Life Matters Most
This value emphasizes that safety and well-being are the top priorities. It means ensuring that every action and decision prioritizes human life above all else, whether in the workplace, community, or environment. It encourages a culture of care, responsibility, and continuous improvement in health and safety practices.
We Value the Environment and the Communities We Work With
This reflects a commitment to sustainability and ethical responsibility. It means taking conscious steps to protect natural resources, reduce environmental impact, and ensure that operations benefit not harm the communities involved. It also implies fostering positive relationships, supporting local economies, and respecting cultural and social diversity.
Make It Happen
This represents a mindset of action, accountability, and perseverance. It encourages individuals and teams to be proactive, find solutions, and push forward even in the face of challenges. It’s about taking ownership, being results-driven, and maintaining a commitment to excellence in execution.
Integrity or accountability
Integrity means always acting with honesty, transparency, and ethical principles. It involves staying true to commitments, treating people with respect, and upholding strong moral standards in all decisions and interactions. It fosters trust within teams, customers, and stakeholders, ensuring long-term credibility and reliability.
ETHICS IN PRACTICE
As a Project Manager, mitigating the dilemma between organization’s value of ‘Employee Wellbeing’ and ‘Project Timely / Successful Delivery’ requires a balanced strategic approach that respects both views. Some helpful strategies include:
1. PLANNING And COMMUNICATING EARLY – If overtime is anticipated, you must inform the team as early as possible to allow them to adjust their schedules.
2. SEEKING VOLUNTEERS FIRST – Instead of mandating overtime, you should ask for volunteers and offer incentives such as time-off in lieu or bonuses.
3. OFFERING FLEXIBILITY – You should allow team members to choose when and how they contribute extra hours (e.g., working late on weekdays instead of weekends).
4. RESPECTING PERSONAL COMMITMENTS – You should acknowledge religious observances and family responsibilities, and provide alternative ways for team members to contribute without disrupting their personal lives.
5. FAIR DISTRIBUTION OF WORKLOAD – You must ensure that overtime is shared among team members to prevent burnout and resentment.
6. PROVIDING SUPPORT And RECOGNITION – You should offer meals, transport reimbursement, or other support to ease the burden of extra work and also publicly appreciate their efforts.
7. ADDRESSING ROOT CAUSES – You must evaluate why overtime is needed and improve project planning to avoid similar situations in the future.
OGBEKHIULU, Cynthia Ikhiannosen
Cohort 24, Group 7
As a Project Transaction Support Analyst in a Government PPP Office, these four core values —Transparency, Efficiency, Accountability, and Inclusivity— directly influence my work on projects in several key ways:
1. TRANSPARENCY
✓ I ensure that all project documentation, bidding, and procurement processes are clear and accessible to stakeholders.
✓ My role involves preparing reports and analyses that uphold openness in financial structuring and risk allocation.
✓ By maintaining transparency, I help build trust among investors, government agencies, and the public, reducing the risk of disputes.
2. EFFICIENCY
✓ I contribute to streamlining PPP processes by ensuring due diligence, reducing unnecessary delays, and implementing best practices in project evaluation.
✓ My work in transaction structuring helps ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest standard.
✓ By optimizing workflows and using data-driven decision-making, I support the timely execution of PPP agreements.
3. ACCOUNTABILITY
✓ I play a role in tracking project progress and ensuring that both public and private sector partners meet their obligations.
✓ Through financial modeling, contract compliance checks, and risk assessments, I help enforce performance standards.
✓ By maintaining clear documentation of project milestones and agreements, I ensure that public resources are used responsibly.
4. INCLUSIVITY
✓ I support stakeholder engagement efforts to ensure that local communities and marginalized groups benefit from PPP projects.
✓ My role involves assessing project impacts and ensuring that infrastructure developments promote broad-based socio-economic growth.
✓ I help ensure that projects align with government policies that prioritize social and environmental sustainability.
By integrating these core values into my daily responsibilities, I help foster trust, efficiency, and accountability in PPP transactions. This not only enhances the success of projects but also ensures that Government’s PPP initiatives contribute to economic development and improved quality of life for all citizens.
OGBEKHIULU, Cynthia Ikhiannosen
Cohort 24, Group 7
In the organisation where I worked before, we held in high esteem values like unity/oneness, live, peace an integrity and these has indeed brought about growth but at individual and organisational levels
At my place of work we believe that core values are the foundation upon which we’re built, guiding our actions and shaping our culture. These values aren’t just words on a wall—they’re principles we live by every day.
First and foremost, we put People First because valuing our team and stakeholders is at the heart of everything we do. We act with Integrity, always being honest, transparent, and ethical in our conduct. We pursue Excellence relentlessly, setting high standards and continually striving to exceed them.
Our passion fuels our drive—through Passion and Commitment, we dedicate ourselves wholeheartedly to every task. We embrace Enterprise and Teamwork, fostering innovation and collaboration to achieve remarkable results.
We don’t just focus on success—we also care about making a positive impact through our Commitment to Social Responsibility & Sustainability, ensuring our actions benefit the community and the environment. And of course, we never forget the importance of Fun and Excitement, creating an atmosphere where energy and enthusiasm thrive.
By staying true to these values, we’ve built a reputation we’re proud of and continue to attract top talents who share our vision and dedication.
SUNDAY AILEOHI OHIOMAH
In my place of work, there are core values which are the foundation upon which the organization is built. These helps to shape and conform the behaviors and actions of every employee towards the organizational policies and these values are:
People First.
Integrity.
Excellence.
Passion and Commitment.
Enterprise and Teamwork.
Commitment to Social Responsibility & Sustainability.
Fun and Excitement.
Living in the tenets of these values has helped us as an organization build a positive reputation and as well as attracting top talents.
Every organization has core values and principles enshrined in their day to day activities. This core values are in line with the personal values and moral principles of a P.M any PM that doesn’t value Integrity and Truthfulness will never ever be able to conform even if the organization embedded it has one.
Below are some core values tenet of some organizations
1. Honesty
2. Truthfulness
3. Accountability
4. Team Work
5. Time management etc
Integrity, excellence and truthfulness are the values we hold at high esteem.
It has helped us through the thick and thin of several projects.