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.
In my organisation, some core values are integrity, teamwork, accountability, and excellence. These guide my work in projects by ensuring I act ethically, collaborate effectively, take responsibility for outcomes, and maintain high-quality standards in every deliverable.
Our organization keeps ethical scope at the heart of what we do by anchoring every decision in our core VALUES and a clear CODE OF PRACTICE. We uphold strong MORAL PRINCIPLES and RULES OF CONDUCT that guide team behaviour, alongside robust RULES AND REGULATIONS to ensure compliance. These are reinforced through consistent ETHICAL PRACTICES in daily operations, stakeholder engagement, and decision-making. By combining these six pillars, we ensure that integrity, accountability, and trust remain central to every project we deliver.
In my field of work as a pharmacy Technician work ethics is important. Not just following the rules and regulations, but also having empathy, ensuring safety and maintaining confidentiality also making patients a priority as well as communicating with them.
“The scope of ethics in projects is far-reaching, extending beyond mere compliance to underpin every decision and action. It encompasses fostering a culture of transparency and integrity, ensuring fair treatment of stakeholders, and prioritizing sustainable outcomes. Ethical project management builds trust, mitigates risks, and ultimately contributes to project success that aligns with societal values. Ignoring ethics invites reputational damage, legal challenges, and ultimately, project failure.”
In my company(Real Estate ),we have a 4Ds(Determination , Documentation, Delivery and Development) we follow that keeps it moving and growing greatly.We make Each words meaningful to our realtors because it’s what the company practice that makes clients trust to buy from our realtors and invest in the company as the evidence can be seen.
Values and morals are really important in all profession and being a project manager it fosters trust and discipline admist the team members.
As an agricultural practitioner working in the industry, there are key moral values I think individual should adopt
1. Accountability; this is key to drive success in any organization. Employers should be accountable for their activities been carried out and this brings about responsibility
2. Transparency
3. Attention to details
Ethics in workplace in the organigation where I’m in charge of is essential for maintaining trust, integrity, and professionalism. It involves being honest, transparent, and accountable in all project activities, from planning to execution. Ethical behavior in the organisations ensures fair treatment of team members, responsible use of resources, and compliance with laws and company policies. When ethics are upheld, it fosters a positive work environment, reduces risks, and contributes to the project’s success and the organization’s reputation.
Integrity
Accountability
Compassion
Respect for human rights
Professionalism
Here are some of the values I think my industry requires and how I think they affect my work in projects.
✅ 1. Creativity & Innovation
Influence on Projects:
I am expected to produce unique, functional, and aesthetically pleasing designs.
Encourages me to explore new materials, trends, or space-saving techniques.
Helps in problem-solving, especially when dealing with spatial limitations or budget constraints.
✅ 2. Attention to Detail
Influence on Projects:
Impacts precision in measurements, material selection, and execution.
Prevents costly errors in finishing, fitting, and layout.
Enhances overall quality and client satisfaction.
✅ 3. Client-Centered Service
Influence on Projects:
Prioritizes understanding client needs, lifestyle, and preferences.
Leads to better communication, personalization, and value delivery.
Encourages flexibility and responsiveness when changes are requested mid-project.
✅ 4. Functionality and Aesthetics
Influence on Projects:
Balances beauty with practical use of space and furniture.
Guides material and layout choices to ensure comfort and usability.
Helps justify design decisions during client presentations.
✅ 5. Collaboration & Teamwork
Influence on Projects:
Interior design is rarely a solo job; it involves carpenters, electricians, painters, fabricators, and others.
Values like respect, coordination, and clear communication reduce delays and friction.
Builds a reliable network of partners for future projects.
✅ 6. Integrity & Professionalism
Influence on Projects:
Encourages honest pricing, realistic timelines, and ethical sourcing of materials.
Helps in building long-term trust with clients, vendors, and collaborators.
Sets me apart in a competitive industry, especially when delivering high-end or bespoke jobs.
✅ 7. Sustainability & Responsibility (Emerging Value)
Influence on Projects:
More clients are interested in eco-friendly materials and sustainable practices.
Promotes reuse, low-waste designs, and sourcing local materials.
May affect how I pitch my projects or select my vendors.
✅ 8. Quality Craftsmanship
Influence on Projects:
Especially vital in furniture making, this ensures the end product is durable and refined.
Impacts the reputation of my brand and the likelihood of repeat or referral business.
Requires continuous skill development and attention to finishing.