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.
One of the key values I’ve learnt from my current organization which I know would help me become an effective Project Manager is Diligence. As a diligent project manager, I will:
1. Pay Attention to Detail – Catching errors early and ensuring that project plans, budgets, and schedules are accurate.
2. Stay Committed to Deadlines – Keeping projects on track by proactively managing timelines and resources.
3. Ensure Accountability – Holding team members accountable while also leading by example with a strong work ethic.
4. Mitigate Risks – Carefully analyzing potential risks and taking preventive measures to avoid project delays or failures.
5. Maintain High Standards – Delivering quality results by consistently reviewing work and striving for excellence.
My diligence will foster trust among stakeholders and ensure smooth project execution, making me a more reliable and effective project manager.
One of the core organizational values that i have learned and i believe would transcend with me as a project manager is inclusive leadership. Inclusive leadership means fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are not only welcomed but also valued. Another of those values is mutual respect.
With inclusive leadership and mutual respect among clients, stakeholders, and team members, i believe that i will be able to create teams that unlock collective creativity, drive innovation, and deliver exceptional project results.
An organisation cannot run smoothly without ethics and set principles,it’s important to set clear values and put in place ways to follow them through.
Every workplace operates based on a set of values, whether spoken or unspoken. As an executive virtual assistant, these values influence how I manage tasks, communicate with stakeholders, and support leadership. some that guide me daily include:
1. Integrity- Trust is always the foundation of every role. Handling confidential information responsibly and being honest in all interactions build credibility.
2. Adaptability- Being flexible and solution-oriented allows one to handle challenges with confidence.
3. Efficiency and organization- Time is valuable. Prioritizing effectively and streamlining processes to help keep everything run smoothly.
Morenike Oladeji
Values are the core beliefs and standards that define what is important, desirable, and ethical within an organization. Moral principles are the rules and guidelines that dictate acceptable behavior and decision-making. Together, they form the ethical framework that drives organizational culture, leadership, and project management practices.
Guiding Decision-Making:
Values and principles act as a compass, guiding project managers and teams to make decisions that align with the organization’s ethical standards.
Decisions made during conflicts, resource allocation, stakeholder engagement, and risk management are all influenced by underlying values.
Building Trust and Credibility:
When decisions are made transparently and ethically, stakeholders are more likely to trust the project’s leadership.
This trust enhances collaboration and promotes long-term relationships, which are essential for project success.
Promoting Accountability:
Values and principles hold individuals accountable for their actions and decisions.
They establish a standard for evaluating performance and identifying areas where integrity may be compromised.
Driving Consistency:
The consistent application of values across projects ensures alignment with the organization’s overall mission and vision.
It minimizes ambiguity and reduces the risk of unethical behavior.
Creating a Positive Organizational Culture:
Projects that emphasize integrity, fairness, and respect contribute to a healthy work environment.
Ethical leadership inspires team members to act with professionalism and commitment.
Influencing Stakeholder Perception:
Stakeholders often assess a project’s success not only by the outcomes delivered but also by how the process was conducted.
Aligning actions with ethical principles enhances the project’s reputation and acceptance.
Ethical rules guide the moral behavior of people in an organization. As a health practitioner, I have rules guiding my scope of work and ignoring them attracts great consequences on my license and career. As a human with a conscience, there are basic morals expected of me also. So basically, ethics are very important in organizations.
Ethics play a big role in how I approach my work, whether it’s collaborating with a team, making decisions, or handling challenges. Below are the values that guide me:
1. Integrity- I believe in being honest and transparent, whether it’s with colleagues, clients, or anyone I work with. If I commit to something, I follow through.
2. Collaboration- I enjoy working with others
and believe that great results come from open communication and teamwork.
3. Innovation- I like to think outside the box and find better ways to do things, making work more efficient and effective.
4. Respect and Inclusivity-I value different perspectives and believe that everyone deserves to be heard and treated fairly.
5. Accountability- I take responsibility for my actions. If something doesn’t go as planned, I focus on fixing it rather than making excuses.
How This Shapes My Work:
* When making decisions, I think about what’s fair and what will have a positive impact in the long run.
*I contribute to a work environment where people feel respected and comfortable sharing their ideas.
*If problems arise, I tackle them with a solution-oriented mindset instead of focusing on blame.
*I am always learning and growing, making sure I uphold ethical standards in whatever I do.
As I transition into project management, these values will continue to shape the way I work, helping me navigate responsibilities with integrity and professionalism.
Anyanwu Lilian Chizoba
Team 2
The following are some of the values being respected in my organization which I can also used a project manager to enhance my work:
Firstly, Integrity and trust promotes transparency in decision-making among team members, progress reporting, and issue management. Trust and integrity ensure smooth project execution, build strong stakeholder relationships, and reduce misunderstandings.
Secondly, quality performances and excellency at work ensures that projects meet defined quality standards, deliverables are thoroughly tested, and the outcomes are of the highest possible standard. Quality control and assurance processes are put in place throughout the organization.
Thirdly, striving for efficiency at in my organization encourages the optimal use of time, budget, and resources to complete projects on schedule and within scope. It focuses on delivering results and achieving project goals in the most effective manner possible.
Lastly, my organization encourages open communication, effective collaboration, and leveraging diverse skill sets to achieve project goals. It ensures that everyone is working towards the same objective, which is critical for project success.
Alo Eunice Ooreofe
Cohort 24
Team 1
The following are some of the values being respected in my organization which I can also used a project manager to enhance my work:
Firstly, Integrity and trust promotes transparency in decision-making among team members, progress reporting, and issue management. Trust and integrity ensure smooth project execution, build strong stakeholder relationships, and reduce misunderstandings.
Secondly, quality performances and excellency at work ensures that projects meet defined quality standards, deliverables are thoroughly tested, and the outcomes are of the highest possible standard. Quality control and assurance processes are put in place throughout the organization.
Thirdly, striving for efficiency at in my organization encourages the optimal use of time, budget, and resources to complete projects on schedule and within scope. It focuses on delivering results and achieving project goals in the most effective manner possible.
Lastly, my organization encourages open communication, effective collaboration, and leveraging diverse skill sets to achieve project goals. It ensures that everyone is working towards the same objective, which is critical for project success.
My name is Ngozi Okolotu from court 24,team 7, working with an Engineering Company that deals with consultation and procurement of industrial machinery.Our core values are creativity, integrity,empowerment,initiative, inspiration
This values have greatly helped the staffs and the management have empowered the staffs with the right knowledge and the requisite tools needed to work in a conducive and learning environment.
As staffs we are encouraged to be creative and always initiate new ideas in our dealings with clients and in innovations and birthing new ideas that will grow the company
We are inspired with our salaries commission,awards,applause,e.t.c to work in an enabling environment.
There are also code of conduct guiding the workplace one of which is there will be dismissal of work if any one indulge in any act of negligence of duty and also one is not allowed to engage in the business of the company while still working with the company.e.t.c there are many others