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 a lab scientist,our organisational values are patience,Respect,transparency,team work,constant improvement in our services. This values help us relate with our patients well,and also help us give them top notch services.
Key Areas in the Scope of Ethics in Projects
1. Honesty and Transparency
• Project managers must provide accurate information about progress, risks, and limitations.
• No hiding of problems, delays, or cost overruns.
2. Accountability
• Each team member and the project leader must take responsibility for their actions.
• Ethical conduct means owning up to mistakes and learning from them.
3. Fairness and Respect
• Treat all team members, clients, and stakeholders fairly.
• Avoid favoritism, discrimination, or unethical pressure.
4. Integrity in Decision-Making
• Base decisions on facts, data, and ethical reasoning—not personal gain or manipulation.
• Avoid conflicts of interest (e.g., awarding contracts to friends or relatives).
5. Confidentiality
• Protect sensitive information, whether it’s about the project, team, or clients.
• Ethical management avoids leaking or misusing confidential data.
6. Compliance with Laws and Standards
• Follow all applicable legal, environmental, health, and safety regulations.
• Align with professional standards, like those from PMI or industry-specific codes.
7. Respect for Stakeholders
• Consider the impact of decisions on all stakeholders—clients, community, environment, and future users.
• Ethics goes beyond profit—it includes people and the planet.
8. Sustainability and Social Responsibility
• Choose ethical suppliers, reduce environmental harm, and consider long-term effects.
• Projects should serve a greater good, not just immediate business interests.
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✍️ Summary
The scope of ethics in projects covers honesty, fairness, responsibility, confidentiality, legal compliance, and social responsibility. An ethical approach ensures trust, smooth teamwork, long-term success, and protection of all involved.
While reflecting on the values of my organisation, I’ve noticed key values that shape our mission:
Equity – making health and nutrition accessible for all adolescents.
Integrity – using evidence-based practices with honesty and accountability.
Youth Empowerment – supporting adolescents to make informed, healthy choices.
Collaboration – working with schools, communities, and stakeholders.
Sustainability – creating lasting impact through education and skill-building.
These values guide my work by encouraging inclusivity, teamwork, and long-term thinking. I’m excited to contribute meaningfully to this important cause.
As a principal scientific officer in my organisation.
Some of our values are QUALITY AND ACCURACY.
In our work place we comply to quality of work done by firstly adhering to non negotiable use of our personal protective equipments.
Also we take ACCURACY and PRECISION ad core values to promote the quality of our work.
The values my group uphold are;
Teamwork
Inclusiveness
Group decision making
Team work makes everyone seems readily seen, and makes division of labor make the project easily completred at the scheduled time.
Inclusiveness on the other hand,makes project be divided into sections and making sure each member of the team has some part to play in the project in as much as, he or she is in the group.
Group decision making affect the project when a scheduled conference is being allocated. The team members disagree to agree on the best alternatives for the project.
The organisational values in my organisation are.
Quality.
Integrity.
Customer service.
Teamwork.
Innovation.
These organizational values would influence my work in projects. By Enhancing project quality and reliability. It would also help in building relationships with clients and stakeholders. Then it aids in adaptation to changing project requirements, providing for efficiency and productivity increase.
I’ve noticed a shared value in my group such as Accountability, leadership, communication, integrity, Team work and a lot more and all of this values are what keeps us together and provides the opportunity for Growth and the win for our Team.
I’ve observed a shared, value in my group such as Accountability, leadership, communication, integrity, punctuality, team work and lots more and all these values are what keeps us together and provides the opportunity for growth and win. I will further say, that punctuality is one value I don’t joke with. It’s a take in for me.
Value in an organisation are very crucial because the more the employees value each other and their work, organisations move forward. In an organisation, SAFETY of the employees, employees respecting each other, the higher up and also respecting their clients/customers. Values can also comes in form of innovation and creativity. Other values an organisation should have includes effective communication, openness to each other, teamwork and stability.
Olalere Dhikrat Yewande
Working with an organisation that improves access to safe drinking water in schools has created a significant impact in the lives of school children both in Nigeria and outside Nigeria. Among the core values of the organization are integrity, building relationship, teamwork, accountability, continuous improvement etc. Embracing these core values has indeed enhanced my capability and productivity by guiding my decision-making and actions, fostering a cohesive work environment, inspiring me and other staff to work towards a common goal and encouraging responsibility and ownership.
As a customer care rep, Values and principles are very crucial in every dealings. It is important to observe these values and principles as they guide our behaviors in our various organizations. Such values includes honesty, politeness, forgiveness, teamwork, integrity, etc.
Effective communication is crucial for project success. This helps the flow of clear and timely information sharing, encouraging open dialogue, and tailoring information to relevant parties.
However, managing bad news must be put into consideration by a good manager who needs to assess impact and options, consider timing and audience and show understanding and support.
Nevertheless, by communicating effectively, project managers can build trust, mitigate risks, and ensure successful project delivery.