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 project manager should possess Transparency and Integrity skills so that he/she can be trusted
My name is Sammgbe Dennis Mshelia regarding the ethics and core value in my organisation as an auditor in hospitality management transparency is key,you must be transparent in all transactions within and outside the company, your audit report and all other transactions with the hotel must be proper check and vadit.Likewise you must have integrity, not to engage in fraudulent activities and lastly teamwork, you must be a team player,engage your colleagues in any issues or challenges you might confront and also discuss development.
My name is Charles Ntanta as regards Ethics and values in relation to my workplace Integrated Logistics Company, it is a very important aspect of employees daily life. The company values it’s customers and employees are expected to do everything possible to satisfy its customers by showing ethical behaviors that protects the assets which can be tangible and intangible. In Africa for instance, we believe that good name is better than money hence Intels believe that to achieve the aim of being the best logistics company, employees must serve with integrity when serving a customer. Stealing, putting individuals interest above company interest is forbidden. As a project manager, I am therefore expected, to consider first the ethical values of the company and as well ensure my personal interest and priorities while delivery the job does not cross paths with my company or clients.
The core value in my organisation as a Finacial firm is transparency,you must be transparent in all transactions between you ,your client and the bank.Likewise you must have integrity, not to engage in fraudulent activities and lastly teamwork, you must be a team player,engage your colleagues in any issues or challenges you might confront and also discuss development.
In my organization, Our Core Value is Safety.
Safety first, Safety Always
As a project manager, treating safety as a core value is crucial to the success and integrity of a project. Emphasizing safety helps protect the well-being of the team, ensures compliance with regulations, and enhances overall project performance. Here’s an in-depth look at incorporating safety as a value in project management:
Importance of Safety as a Value
1. Human Welfare: Prioritizing safety safeguards the health and lives of all individuals involved in the project.
2. Legal Compliance: Adhering to safety regulations helps avoid legal issues and potential fines.
3. Reputation: A strong safety record enhances the organization’s reputation and can be a competitive advantage.
4. Productivity: Safe work environments reduce the occurrence of accidents, minimizing downtime and associated costs.
5. Employee Morale: A commitment to safety fosters a positive work culture, boosting morale and productivity.
When stakeholders in project management imbibe the organizational values of integrity, transparency and accountability, it will make the goals more atternable.
Organizational Values:
Community Engagement
Sustainability
Transparency
Inclusivity
Innovation
Reflections on Values and Their Influence on Project Work:
Community Engagement:
Our organization prioritizes involving the community in all stages of our projects. This means that from the initial planning phase to the final implementation, we seek input and feedback from community members. Practically, this value influences our work by:
Hosting regular community meetings to gather insights and suggestions.
Creating surveys and feedback forms to capture a wide range of opinions.
Ensuring that our projects address the actual needs and desires of the community, leading to higher acceptance and success rates.
Sustainability:
We are committed to promoting sustainable practices in our projects. This influences our work by:
Choosing eco-friendly materials and sustainable resources.
Designing projects that have minimal environmental impact.
Implementing long-term solutions that benefit the community without depleting resources.
Transparency:
Maintaining transparency is crucial for building trust with our stakeholders. This value shapes our project management by:
Providing regular updates and clear communication about project progress, challenges, and successes.
Being open about our decision-making processes and how funds are allocated and used.
Ensuring that all project documentation is accessible to stakeholders.
Inclusivity:
We believe in creating projects that are inclusive and accessible to everyone in the community. This means:
Considering the needs of diverse groups, including marginalized and underrepresented populations, in our project designs.
Implementing measures to ensure that everyone can participate in and benefit from our projects.
Promoting equal opportunities and ensuring that our team reflects the diversity of the community we serve.
Innovation:
We strive to be innovative in our approach to community development. This influences our projects by:
Encouraging creative problem-solving and the exploration of new ideas.
Incorporating cutting-edge technologies and methodologies to enhance project outcomes.
Staying adaptive and open to change, ensuring our projects remain relevant and effective in a rapidly evolving environment.
Discussion with Other Learners:
Learner 1:
In our organization, one of our core values is customer-centricity. This means we always put the needs and experiences of our customers at the forefront. In our projects, this translates to:
Conducting thorough market research to understand customer preferences and pain points.
Continuously gathering and acting on customer feedback.
Ensuring that our solutions are tailored to provide maximum value and satisfaction to our customers.
Learner 2:
My team values collaboration highly. We believe that working together yields the best results. This value impacts our projects by:
Promoting open communication and teamwork across all departments.
Encouraging the sharing of knowledge and expertise to overcome challenges.
Building strong partnerships with external stakeholders to enhance project outcomes.
Learner 3:
For us, integrity is a key value. We aim to be honest and ethical in all our dealings. This influences our project work by:
Ensuring that all our actions and decisions are guided by a strong moral compass.
Being transparent about our project goals, processes, and any potential conflicts of interest.
Holding ourselves accountable and maintaining high ethical standards in all project activities.
By sharing these reflections, we can learn how different values shape project management and outcomes, and we can adopt best practices to improve our own approaches.
In a company I previously worked. The organisational core values among the group are ‘Diligence, Excellence and Intergrity’.
All stakeholders are under compulsion to adhere to these values in there dealings with the organisation.
So, there are no short cuts. Only the best is always expected both in behaviour and deeds. Your word is your bond in any circumstance.
In my workplace, several core values guide our projects:
1. Collaboration: We work as a team, valuing everyone’s input.
2. Innovation: We seek creative and forward-thinking solutions.
3. Integrity: We maintain honesty and ethical standards.
4. Excellence: We strive for high quality in all our work.
5. Respect: We foster a positive and inclusive environment.
6. Transparency: We practice openness in our processes and communications.
7. Accountability: We take responsibility for our actions and outcomes.
These values affect our projects by promoting teamwork, encouraging new ideas, ensuring ethical practices, maintaining high standards, fostering a supportive environment, being open in our communications, and taking responsibility for our work.
The main values in my organization or firms are: integrity, good communication, accountability and good planning