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.
In journalism, there are key codes of ethics that one can’t function without; professionalism, integrity, truth, accuracy and objectivity. These values must preceed the journalist. At all times, he is expected to wear them on his sleeves.
✓ Integrity is self respect and keeping to your word. You don’t misinform the public, you don’t spread wrong stories for any reason. That’s how you build and earn trust from your clients and audience.
✓ Truth and accuracy is a commitment you make to spread facts only, whether it’s good or bad, but facts only. This means that you take the pains to confirm your leads and run them through the fire of accuracy before publication. Failure to do this might burn the society down (1994 Rwandan genocide).
✓ Objectivity means you have an opinion, but your opinion doesn’t matter in a factual and accurate story. It means separating your emotions from the facts of the story and run with facts only. You owe the society facts to make informed decisions, not your singular opinion.
Same goes for Project Management. For your team to succeed, the Project Manager must lose his emotions and be able to take critical decisions for the sake of the project. His decisions must not favour him, as long as the project succeeds. The PM must be truthful to his team, clients and stakeholders, by telling them the harsh realities (good or bad) about the project as it progresses. The PM must take integrity seriously, as this will earn him the needed trust from his teammates, clients and stakeholders on the project.
These are the hallmarks of professionalism.
The values are commitment, integrity, professionalism and discipline.
Commitment helps in committing, be in charge of the projects.
Integrity helps in being steadfast on the project. We will follow an ethical code or moral so that the project can be a success.
And being discipline helps us attained a certain heights of success too because we have certain rules we must follow and also being professional is the key to any business organizations.
These are the top 4 values of my organization;
Commitment to excellence
Professionalism
Honesty
Sustainability
We believe these 4 keys are the strong pillars on which our organization thrives. When in business dishonesty can destroy years of collaboration, in the same way, that unprofessional actions can.
We are committed to delivering excellence in every one of our processes and we sustainably do all our services and manage our company’s resources.
Commitment, empathy and timely response are the core values of my organisation
At the company where I work, the values are Excellence and speed of delivery. My superior constantly emphasizes that jobs are delivered at the time when they are needed i.e actions are taken immediately the job is initiated. He also makes sure that systems are set in place to make sure that jobs are delivered excellently i.e hiring professionals in the field, getting the best equipments, and proper personnel wellbeing.
Discipline, integrity and excellence are the values stressed upon in my organisation. Discipline as an individual or team reflects in our outcome
The ethical value of taking responsibility for protecting the environment serves as a guiding principle for project managers working on projects related to the extractive industry. For instance, the MTD will ensure that the holding reservoir, which is supplied by the Buffer company, and the grid are regularly sanitized and replaced when necessary to prevent the accumulation of gastrointestinal infections.
The organization I worked with is a construction company which have a significant influence on how engineers work on projects. the company values quality and safety, then the engineers is been expected to focus on producing high-quality work that is safe for the people who will use the completed project. the company values teamwork and collaboration, then the engineers is expected to work together with other team members to complete the project.
The values of the organisation I work for are respect, integrity, teamwork, excellence and innovation. Everything done within the organisation follow those values and they set a very high standard for those working within the organisation who must at all time adhere to these values and keep and exhibit them daily in the way and circumstances they perform their duties.
We have the culture of honour in my organisation. This has ensured mutual respect that has fostered productivity and strife-free workplace for team members