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.
Values include commitment, empathy ,respect and dedication are pivotal in the organization
Organizational ethics or core values being the bedrock of an organization form the basis on which a company runs.
Team members adopt these core values, work with them, and achieve the target goals of the organization.
Respect, teamwork, leadership, meritocracy, and the pursuit of excellence are core values that form the bedrock of my organization.
Organisational values are the guiding principles that shape the behaviour and culture of an organisation. They can influence how projects are managed and executed, as well as the outcomes and benefits they deliver.
Scope of ethics cannot be over emphasized at any point time. Integrity, loyalty Professionalism, reliability, adhering to guiding rules and principles are key factors in my nature of works as assistant project manager at Natti Ventures . And as a project manager, these factors that ensures ones sustainability in the field and promote the integrity of works done and lives to be positively affected. It ensure proper focus and direction and keeps everyone in the proper perspective at all times
respect ,integrity ,sustainability should be part of every organisation
integrity, accountability, respect are core values that every organisation should have
Integrity and respect for action are paramount in every organization
Organisational values are the guiding principles that shape the behaviour and culture of an organisation. They can influence how projects are managed and executed, as well as the outcomes and benefits they deliver.
– Safety: This value means that i prioritise the health and well-being of my project team, stakeholders, and end-users. I ensure that the project activities comply with relevant safety standards and regulations, and that i identify and mitigate any potential risks or hazards. I also promote a culture of safety awareness and learning from incidents or near-misses.
– Integrity: This value means that I act ethically and honestly in my project work. I uphold the trust and respect of my project team, stakeholders, and end-users. I communicate clearly and transparently, and I honour the commitments and responsibilities. I also adhere to the professional code of conduct.
– Quality: This value means that I strive for excellence and customer satisfaction in my project work. I define and measure the quality criteria and standards for my project deliverables and processes, and i ensure that they meet or exceed the expectations of my project team, stakeholders, and end-users. I also seek and apply feedback and lessons learned to improve the project performance and quality.
– Sustainability: This value means that i consider the environmental, social, and economic impacts of my project work. I align the project objectives and outcomes with the strategic vision and goals of my organisation and the wider society. I also implement sustainable practices and solutions that minimise waste, reduce costs, and enhance value for my project team, stakeholders, and end-users..
The following are the Core Values as being enshrined in the organization that I am a proud member of, and how it shapens our day to day activities:
a. Integrity First: This value emphasizes honesty and moral uprightness in all actions. This ensures transparent and ethical conduct in Nigerian Air Force projects, fostering trust and credibility.
b. Service Before Self: This value underscores the prioritization of the collective mission over individual interests. This commitment enhances teamwork, cooperation, and a unified effort towards project completion.
c. Excellence in all we do: This value promotes a high standard of performance and professionalism. This value encourages the Nigerian Air Force personnels to consistently deliver quality results in projects, contributing to successful and impactful outcomes.
Integrity, teamwork and respect were the core values of the bank. In all we did we ensured that we operated as a team, respect for one other and above all transparent with our dealings. Being a banker for over three years, I now understand that being a project manager including been responsible for a project outcome and ensuring all commitments are met by working respectively with others as a team.