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 of the organization I work with and that I think every organization should have include:
Transparency: Being plain. Be open and honest in discharging duties.
Accountability: Be willing to accept responsibility for your actions not trying to shift blames.
Integrity: Be truthful
Respect: Address your co-workers with respect.
My organisation upholds values such as;
1. Creativity: Despite being in the fashion industry, my organisation ensures that being creative with styles is emphasised. Not just seeing a style and copying it but you should be able to add your ‘touch’ to it.
2. Quality; In all production processes-from sourcing of fabrics to the finishing, quality is maintained to give clients the best of their moneys worth.
3. Mutual respect of co-workers
4. Inclusivity…among others.
These few values stated above gives guidance to behaviours of every individual and as a result help in the overall growth of the organisation, its employees and the clients.
As a project manager, my core values of honesty, trustworthiness, teamwork, patience, and never giving up have a profound and positive impact on my work.
Honesty and trustworthiness create a foundation of integrity. They ensure transparent communication with my team, stakeholders, and clients, fostering trust and credibility. Team members feel confident that I am straightforward, which leads to better collaboration.
Teamwork is essential in project management. My commitment to teamwork means I will empower my team, encourage diverse ideas, and promote a collaborative environment. This fosters creativity and problem-solving.
Patience is vital in managing projects. It allows me to handle setbacks and delays calmly, without compromising the project’s quality. I will be better equipped to manage changing circumstances and adapt plans accordingly.
My never-give-up attitude ensures resilience. In the face of challenges, I will persistently seek solutions and motivate my team to overcome obstacles. This determination helps me to meet project goals, no matter the difficulties.
In summary, these values will shape me into a project manager who is known for transparency, collaboration, adaptability, and resilience, ultimately leading to successful project outcomes and strong relationships with stakeholders.
Transparency, accountability, integrity and respect.
One of the Core Value in a project I led is Professionalism and Quality The project was to produce a professional image of the company. Team members had to be informed of the objective. They has to bring in their A game to ensure that the outcome of the project brings forth the quality and professional outlook the company wanted
Organisational ethics is a key ingredient in every team and projects.
In my work place, FMCG industry, our priority is on integrity and mutual respect for all board and to customers and stakeholders alike.
As a Project manager, you need to be transparent, honest in order to solve problems as these increases the trust levels of your stakeholders…
Value is the ultimate benefit your business provides and is the sole reason why people want to purchase your products and services.
I strongly believe that integrity, honesty, and humility are very important values that will make a person distinct from every other project managers
I work with an organisation that has Integrity, Love, Creativity, Impact and Peace as core values. In our day-to-day delivery of services to clients we intend to have an impact on lives far and wide, be creative in the packaging of bespoke sessions. All these are done under an umbrella of love and peace while having integrity, as individuals and an organisation, as our watchword.
I believe that Integrity and honesty are key values that PM should have as it helps in building trust between stakeholders and individuals.