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 believe an organization’s core values should be centered around honesty, reward for hardwork, openess and the want to help the society at large. Such values are incredibly important, as they shape the way we go about our business in the organization, with these beliefs at the forefront of our minds, which would in turn lead to a greater upturn in customer satisfaction.
Integrity is a high moral and fundamental value in public service. Workers involved in projects are expected to uphold ethical and moral standards, transparency and accountability. This is to ensure that project steps, decision-making, and outcomes are characterized by honesty and integrity. Teamwork is also recommended.
I currently do not work in an organization but I’d love to work in a space where integrity is a core value. A firm that will not put it’s clientele or the general public at risk for profit.
I’d rather we have those difficult conversations, review budget/strategy and eventually give the best services and/or product that put people in harms way by delivering less than standard requirement.
Well currently I am not in any group or organization, but if I were to be in one, I would say values helps to keep everything and everybody organized and focused.
Working as a team has helped us in my organisation to produce effective results in all that we do on a continous basis. Knowing that your co-workers have your back regardless of the situation you find yourself cannot be overemphasized,
The values are
Honestly
Punctuality
Loyality among others
The moral mode of conduct is really important
Then knowing the cores and values
And then also understanding the principles
These values are:
1. Punctuality : I grow up to knowing and believing that punctuality is the heartbeat of business(early to bed early to rise) and it has really helped me in life pursuit.
2. Standing with Truth( if it is black it is BLACK).
3. Critical Thinking and Observation with Patience : My dad told me a story of a boy that lived with his grandmother all his life. When the old woman was set to die she wrote a will, prints it on a two yard locally made fibric and carelessly dropped it in his room. The old woman died. This boy grow up to be a man living all by himself due to wretchedness. All he does was to use this fibric as a cover sheet and a ironing sheet each time he wants to iron his cloth for church. One day he was so hungry and had nothing to eat, he picked up this fibric covered his face with it a lay down on the floor. In the mist of the dark space while lay covered with the fibric he saw something strange and decided to look closely, it was then he saw the will of his grand mother, transferred all her hiding wealth to him alone. He brook out in tears wept bitterly. This story shaped my life and today, my strength is Patience, Critical Thinking and Deep Observation.
As it been said “Honestly is the best currency and punctuality is the soul of business”. In an organization you don’t just do what you like you do what is right! Going to work late is unacceptable. You must be disciplined as regards to timing and attitude towards work. I do believe in the saying” as you take care of someone’s business so will your own business will be taking care of ” what you do to other people business is what will happen to your business. If you’re a staff working in an organization, act right. Thank you
-Don’t come to school late as in secondary school settings
– No malpractice in examination
– No fighting etc
I am still learning.