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.
I work in the banking industry and some of our values are:
Honesty
Integrity
Transparency
Accuracy
Excellent customer relationship
Values provide a moral and strategic framework that empowers project managers to make better decisions, build strong teams, and ensure the success and ethical integrity of their projects.
Ethics are guiding principles which should be followed, in my organization Integrity, Confidentiality, Dress code, Honesty, team work are all important principles we should adhere to.
The organization I work with has always emphasize on integrity, team bonding, authenticity and mutual respect.
And as a PM these values come in handy because when you have integrity, client’s and stakeholders will be able to trust you knowing the project is in good hand.
You as a PM needs to bond with you team, carry them along on every phase of the project you are doing together, that will create a good atmosphere for the project to be successful.
As a PM, you need to be authentic. Be the exact person you are, the original not the fake. Let your clients and stakeholders know the real you.
As a PM, you need to create an atmosphere of mutual respect for everyone involved in your project, making sure nobody is disrespected and sidelined, by so doing everyone feels accepted and unbiased
Thanks
Ethics are guiding principle which should be tenet on which every PM should live with, and my organization is not an exemption.
1. Integrity
2. Trustworthy
3. Team work and collaboration
4. Respect
These are values we hold so dear and it is preached almost every day.
Organisational ethics is a key ingredient in every team and projects.
In my work place, ESMI NG, our priority is on integrity and mutual respect for all board and to customers and stakeholders alike.
Ethics are guiding principles every PM should imbibe and focus on, therefore my organization is not an exemption.
1. Integrity
2. Trustworthy
3. Team work and collaboration
4. Respect
one of my company organization value is Authenticity which is being your real self at work. being genuine at every thing you do as a PM. being your real self at work can affect your Project as a PM positively.
one of my company organization value is Authenticity which is being your real self at work. being genuine at every thing you do as a PM. being your real self at work can affect your Project as a PM positive
Ethics are guiding principle which should be taken into serious consideration by every Project manager
1. Integrity
2. Trustworthy
3. Team work and collaboration
4. Respect
These ethics are very important.
Some of the organisational values in my group are: integrity, team work, respect, consistency and openness.
In projects, the above values will help to network freely with my team members. When there is honesty, no one will doubt each other because whatever report that is given will be the very true roprt and to the interest of the project. Again, when we work as a team, it makes our work easier and faster. Consistency, respect and open-mindedness, all them helps I uniting the team thereby making us to work with free minds in terms of suggestions, corrections and contributions. With these, the team will actually come up with a good result.
some of the values my company require is
be opened to learning new things, to not be working day in, day out on just your job without having ideas of what is on the desk of others, because they are interwined
respect others, whether they be superior or subordinate
pay attention to details
honesty
ability to provide solution
Ethics play a significant role in project management and have a broad scope that encompasses various aspects of planning, execution, and completion. Here are some key areas where ethics come into play in a project:
1. Stakeholder Engagement:** Ethical project management involves engaging with stakeholders honestly and transparently. Project managers should communicate project goals, risks, and potential impacts accurately to stakeholders, ensuring that they are well-informed and can make ethical decisions.
2. Resource Allocation:** Ethical decisions must guide the allocation of resources within a project. This includes fair distribution of work, budget, and time to prevent favoritism or discrimination among team members.
3. Conflict Resolution:** Ethical project managers are skilled in handling conflicts among team members or stakeholders impartially and in a way that respects the dignity and rights of all parties involved.
4. **Integrity in Reporting:** Project managers should maintain the integrity of project data, progress reports, and financial statements. Falsifying or manipulating project information is unethical and can lead to serious consequences.
5. Environmental Responsibility:** Consideration for environmental ethics is crucial in projects that have environmental impacts. Project managers should strive to minimize harm to the environment, follow relevant regulations, and promote sustainability where possible.
6. Supplier and Contractor Relationships: Ethical procurement practices involve fair and