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.
A good worker without integrity is a bad influence on the organization. I choose integrity as my core value aside following all layed down rules and regulations while carrying out my job functions and in my interactions with my team and colleagues.
Maintaining the highest levels of integrity, transparency, and professionalism in all facets of work is my core value as an education officer.
as an Automation Technician, I ensured that i follow all rules and regulations that is guiding the organization I worked and as well to code and conducts guiding automation and electrical.
As an I.T officer, professionalism is core to my belief and also confidentiality in keeping client’s information.
I have learn to always priorities organizational values. As a project lead, confidentiality of clients information is core to my beliefs
As a Security Analyst, confidentiality and privacy is key to managing data and stakeholders business. It is paramount that high ethics is required in all client engagement, whether it is internal or external clients.
As a project manager , Ethics are prince’s that governs decision making, helps to build trust and good relationship with clients.
In my company, as MEP engineers, our core values of standard and quality work and practices in a safe way has earned more client due to this value being seen at work in all our projects.
As a lawyer, one standard organizational value that has been consistent across all organizations is the ability to be confidential, in terms of clients’ documents, and personal details.
Others include the ability to communicate promptly with the project sponsor, responsiveness to the project, the team, other project managers, and the client as the case may be.
Any project manager who wants to do well must not joke with his ethics or what I call the principles of his Job. As a Teacher I must maintain integrity in front of my students and must remain faithful to my duty, if I must stand boldly to correct others hereafter.
very well said. 👍👍
As a Nurse one of the core values being observed is respect for life. This can influence me as a project manager to follow the appropriate rules and regulations in order for me not to hurt my client and teammates.