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 serve as a guiding lamp or moral compass towards making decisions as a Project Manager
My organizational values include:
1. Moral principles: This is necessary because as teachers, we are not just making knowledge available to the students, but also helping them to learn sound moral principles. Hence we also need to exhibit strong moral principles as practical examples.
2. Rules of conduct: We have laid down rules which has helped to serve as a check for unprofessional behaviour in the organization.
3. Code of practice: These include integrity, team spirit among members, commitment to task( without eye service), professionalism among others helps us to achieve our goals.
4. Values: Our aim as an organization is to make knowledge available to students and give them solid foundation for academic and moral excellence.
Hello everyone,
As a virtual assistant, I’m keenly aware of the values that guide my work, especially in projects. At the core of my team’s values is transparency, ensuring open communication and trust. Additionally, we prioritize inclusivity, valuing diverse perspectives to drive innovation. Continuous learning is also key, fueling our adaptability and growth mindset.
I’d love to hear how values influence your project work!
Honestly
Diligence
Sustainability
Consistency
Intergity
Fairness
Inclusivity
1. integrity: My organisation values integrity, which means they prioritize honesty, transparency, and ethical behaviour. In project work, this value would guide decision-making, ensuring that all actions align with ethical standards and that promises are kept.
2. Professionalism: Being professional means maintaining a high standard of conduct, respecting deadlines, and delivering quality work. In projects, professionalism would drive efficient communication and adherence to timelines,
3. Commitment: My organisation is committed to to delivering quality project to its clients and investors. In project work, commitment translates to staying dedicated to project goals, meeting milestones, and going the extra mile to deliver exceptional results.
As I reflect on my organization I find at least 3 values we follow and hold dear. One is mutual respect. We listen to one another and where one is weak another lends a helping hand. Work flows often seamlessly because we are interested in one another and can multitask. Second is data integrity. We try as much as possible to ensure that the data we submit is not doctored so that we can be trusted for future opportunities. Lastly is we constantly seek to improve our deliverables. So we take an area that needs improvement and plan as a group on how to make things better.
Delivering quality properly finished items is a value we all go by at my workplace and we all are learning to be accountable and responsible to that ethic
People’s decisions are multifaceted, influenced by internal and external factors. By reflecting and learning, individuals can make more informed choices across diverse contexts.
The scope of ethics in projects is a critical aspect that influences decision-making, behavior, and overall project success.
Ethical considerations should be integrated into project planning, execution, and evaluation. Project managers play a pivotal role in promoting ethical behavior and ensuring project outcomes align with societal values.
In Job as a Virtual Transaction Coordinator for a real estate company that specializes in designing and developing luxury urban homes and estates. I would like to explore some of their values and how they might influence project work:
1. integrity: My organisation values integrity, which means they prioritize honesty, transparency, and ethical behaviour. In project work, this value would guide decision-making, ensuring that all actions align with ethical standards and that promises are kept.
2. Professionalism: Being professional means maintaining a high standard of conduct, respecting deadlines, and delivering quality work. In projects, professionalism would drive efficient communication, adherence to timelines, and a commitment to excellence.
3. Commitment: My organisation is committed to to delivering quality project to its clients and investors. In project work, commitment translates to staying dedicated to project goals, meeting milestones, and going the extra mile to deliver exceptional results.
4. Reliability: We consistently delivers on promises. In projects, reliability means being dependable, following through on commitments, and providing consistent quality.
5. Excellence: My organisation aims for excellence in its designs and finished products. In project work, this value encourages continuous improvement, attention to detail, and a focus on achieving the best possible outcomes.
REFLECTION:
Reflecting on these values, as a project participant, I would strive to uphold integrity, professionalism, commitment, reliability, and excellence. These values would guide my interactions with team members, stakeholders, and clients, ensuring a positive and successful project experience.
As an individual who has always basked in the joy of seeing others genuinely happy as a result of what I may have done to give people such feelings, I thrive on the following values:
1. Attention to Detail:
• Attention to detail involves being thorough and meticulous in all aspects of the project. It means understanding the requirements, specifications, and objectives clearly and ensuring that every task and deliverable aligns with them.
• By paying attention to details, project managers can identify potential risks, anticipate challenges, and implement preventive measures to mitigate them before they escalate.
• It also involves maintaining accuracy in documentation, tracking progress, and ensuring that quality standards are met throughout the project lifecycle.
2. Proper Time Management:
• Time management is crucial for ensuring that the project stays on schedule and within budget constraints. It involves setting realistic timelines, prioritizing tasks, and allocating resources efficiently.
• Effective time management helps in identifying critical path activities and ensuring that they are completed on time to prevent delays in the project timeline.
• It also involves monitoring progress regularly, identifying bottlenecks, and taking corrective actions to keep the project on track.
3. Client Satisfaction:
• Client satisfaction is the ultimate goal of any project. It involves meeting or exceeding the client’s expectations in terms of deliverables, quality, and timelines.
• Project managers need to communicate effectively with clients, understand their needs and expectations, and manage their expectations throughout the project lifecycle.
• Regular updates, transparency, and proactive communication are essential for building trust and ensuring that clients are satisfied with the progress and outcome of the project.
• Additionally, addressing any concerns or issues promptly and providing excellent customer service contributes to overall client satisfaction and may lead to repeat business or referrals.
In summary, attention to detail, proper time management, and client satisfaction are integral values in project management that, when prioritized, contribute to successful project outcomes, stakeholder satisfaction, and long-term business success.