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 are vital in every organization example shell petroleum company has her core values that enables her meet certain goals.
examples of the values of shell company include safety, respect to people, excellence, effect team work, sustainability and customer focus.
communication, moral values, team work and work ethics in the organization supports the flow of daily activities.
Teamwork is an essential value were I work, we collaborate to get the work done else how else will it be called an organisation?
The major core value in the organization where I work is to make client/ patient needs our priority. My team and I work together to achieve this aim by:
1. Communicating effectively and explaining to the best of our clients by knowledge
2.Listen to their concern and relay their fear and anxiety by reassuring them
3.Maintenance of professional client-provider relationships in a social circle
In the organization I work Team work is very important and that way it makes the work or project easy and everyone would come with his or her contributions. Therefore, team work is the most important in a project.
In the organisation where I work, one of our core values is that of team work.
Our team work reflects in helping one another achieve our individual task.
No one is left alone to do task alone. You can easily ask for assistance on your given task from any unit and there is always the willingness of staff to help as long as they have the required knowledge or skill set to support you in that task
The core value of my organisation is Can-do with integrity, be bold & courageous do right by others, honest and candid, Collaborate with Agility, believe in our shared goals, Serve with Respect, work in service of others, actively listen and treat others with dignity.
Some of the values in my organization include empathy, dedication, team work and accountability.
It is of great essence to be accountable and take full responsibility of your actions.other values stated above is quite very essential
Organizational values play a crucial role in guiding the behavior and decisions of individuals within my organization. Here are some common organizational values and their potential influence on our project work:
1. Integrity: Upholding honesty and ethical behavior in all actions and decisions. This value would influence project work by ensuring transparency, accountability, and adherence to ethical standards throughout the project lifecycle.
2. Collaboration: Promoting teamwork, cooperation, and open communication among team members. This value would encourage sharing of ideas, knowledge, and resources, leading to enhanced problem-solving, innovation, and efficiency in project execution.
3. Excellence: Striving for high-quality outcomes and continuous improvement in all aspects of work. This value would drive individuals to set and pursue ambitious goals, deliver projects to the best of their abilities, and seek opportunities for learning and skill development.
4. Customer focus: Prioritizing the needs and satisfaction of clients or stakeholders. This value would guide project work by ensuring that deliverables align with customer expectations, feedback is actively solicited and incorporated, and relationships with clients are built on trust and respect.
5. Diversity and inclusion: Valuing and respecting the unique perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences of all individuals. This value would foster an inclusive work environment where diverse viewpoints are welcomed, leading to richer discussions, more creative solutions, and greater employee engagement.
6. Sustainability: Considering the long-term environmental, social, and economic impacts of decisions and actions. This value would influence project work by encouraging consideration of sustainability factors in project planning, design, and implementation, leading to more environmentally responsible outcomes.
7. Accountability: Taking ownership of responsibilities and commitments, and being answerable for outcomes. This value would promote a culture of reliability, where individuals honor their obligations, meet deadlines, and take proactive steps to address challenges or issues that arise during project execution.
In my formal organization we have rules guiding the organization which one of them is Be punctual!
Now punctuality as a project manager will help you with your timing and deadlines, being able to work with a specific time and being able to meet a deadline
When a project manager see time and punctuality as a personal rules not just an organization rule, it will stand you out in any organization you going yourself