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.
Some shared values at my place of work are; smiling, listen and Thank you.
Smiling makes a customer feel welcomed.
Listening to what your customer has to say, be it a complain or suggestions gives them a sense of belonging that they are part of your business.
Always say thank you, this keeps a lasting smile on the face of your customer and might keep them glued to your company.
Thanks
Possible alternatives to encourage team members in cases of having to work overtime and infringe into their extra time taking note of different beliefs, religion or personal work ethics; THE PROJECT MANAGER could make possible incentives, Providing dinner, extra transport allowance or inclusion of Overt time pay for the said Project etc.
Post in the discussion group to suggest possible alternatives in this situation.
In the instance where a PM is asking his/her team to do task like working overtime or coming over the weekend, then the best thing is to do is to sit down with each of this team mates and analyse the reason why this is being done the way it is at the moment. Adequately compensating them too as a way of motivation would also make them want to reconsider the change in plans. Allowing them go on leave when the task is concluded or take shifts where necessary is also a welcome idea.
In my Organization, our Culture, Values and Ethics is one that is embedded in Customer First, Respect, Empathy, Shared Values( Accountability, Transparency, Good and Clear Communication, and Creativity) and Tenacity.
In each of the core values we are trained to be the best version of ourselves and to ensure this sticks as this is what guides our communication and behavior with colleagues, clients, vendors, suppliers and also ensure we comport ourselves in any environment we find ourselves.
The scope of ethics in project is broad and encompass various aspects of the project management, decision making,and stake holder relationship.Ethincs in projects refers to the principles and values that guide the behavior of individuals and organization involved in projects activities
In my current Organization which is a veterinary clinic and a Pet Store outlet, part of our values:
1. There’s room for individual ideas and suggestions that would take the organization to a better place and stand out.
2. Integrity in our dealings with potential clients, customers and also team members in the office.
3. Delivering Excellent services and also creating room for empathy with out clients.
4. Time consciousness in carrying out our services and duty.
because we relate to different clients daily, holding up these ethical values has helped us in keep and working with difficult clients and to that gaining their trust and confidence. this has in many occasions brought in referrals from some of our high end clients.
In my organization, one of our core values is communication, everyone is assigned to their duties, we communicate by giving feedbacks for accountability purpose, having in mind that we are dedicated to the success of our clientele. following the rules and regulation as a consulting firms , especially R&D Research and Development department allowed the company to know what in the income is . and as a customer service personnel ,ethical conduct is one of the organization values we hold in high esteem.
Moral principles, Code of conducts and principle are what we practice. and we believe in quality service delivery in order to ensure customers satisfaction always.
Project managers can also bring along edibles or something light to encourage team members working on the project as show of appreciation.
Some of the values in my workplace are as follows; We do what’s right always and we grow every day. Translating these values to a project I’m working on will require me to always do what is right irrespective of the situation at hand. Doing what is right upholds integrity, which is related to personal and organizational values. Breaking it down i will say giving or receiving a bribe to get a task done is not acceptable.
Growing every day on the other hand in a project will mean in everything we do; we’re thinking of one thing – growth. We operate with speed and efficiency instead of focusing on perfection.
I work in a Psych facility with 516-bed acute care psychiatric hospital that provides inpatient behavioral health services for adults, adolescents and geriatric patients. And our core value is;
People-first approach. Balance. Accountability. Transparency. Ethical. Collaboration.
A people-first approach is all about prioritizing the employee experience and well being. That starts with having a firm grasp of what the employee experience is. Offer meaningful and diverse opportunities to invite employee feedback. The way this is accomplish can be unique to different organizations. With that we create balance in the work place by making sure every single employee or stakeholders has access to the policy governing the facility showing how we care for them, thereby been accountable for every actions we take through shared transparency. One of the unique about our facility its the level of collaboration between staff, stakeholders and our patients, still keeping in mind our core ethical values that drives our success in patient care.