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.
The core values in my current organization are centered around integrity, accountability, transparency, and respect. These values are the foundation for all the activities that are carried out, and they guide decision-making processes.
German Tamaranebi Marvelous.
As an health care organizations, we value clients confidentiality as it helps maintain trust and good relationship between clients, volunteers and stakeholders in the project.
Olivia Sarah Aber, Project Management Cohort 26, Team 1
As stated in the learning material, organizational values are enduring beliefs that shape employee behavior to a certain predetermined result when faced with a conflicting situation.
Some of the organizational values may include stewardship, integrity, professionalism, and discipline. The values stated would shape my behavior on a project in such a way that ensures project resources are utilized in a manner that reduces wastage; there is honesty when carrying out project activities, and behaving honorably and respectful to all other project team members.
In my field as a customer support, my company values empathy, active listening, clear communication and time management
Enobong Faith Asanga
In my company we have a clear and open platform,we believe in sincerity and honesty in dealing with our clients, there’s also accountability, putting our clients first, and there’s inclusion –everyone is important,we work as a team and a family.These are the moral principles and values that bind my company.
Jackqueline Nonhlanhla Onyekpe
In the Organisation of women I lead and other platforms I’m involved in, I believe in timely, clear open communication. Ask questions, Transparency, Conflict handling before getting out of order.
Integrity, Respecting one another, Forgiveness, put God first, Opinions are valued, Accountability and Responsibilities, Have a Spirit of Understanding, Do not judge anyone prior. Be Bold not to sugarcoat matters, Stay on your line, don’t interfere unnecessary, Be courageous and selfless. No one should intimidate the next person.
Do not Blame others, Pride negative Attitude and Character should not be in the midst. We need Team work, Team spirit. Don’t gossip or be a faultfinder nor bring unconstructive criticisms
My organization greatly prioritizes clear and timely communication and this shows up in all my activities. If I’m working on a project and I encounter a difficulty, I escalate immediately. I don’t wait till I’m asked to do so.
Certainly core values of every organisation should include: Integrity, Clarity, inclusion, respect and professionalism
As a Lab Technician, In my organization, we value honesty, discipline, patience, compassion and these values helps us while interacting with patients that no matter how good or bad a Diagnostic Test results might be , we have to tell them while being empathetic and also learn to be patient with them irrespective of their age, status or tribe.
One of the values my organisation has is mutual and hierachy respect and this helps us all to air our complaints or advice without being unruly or acting insubordinately