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 my organization we place much emphasis on safety of both human well-being, equipment and environment.
We also value honesty, transparency, integrity, commitment and dedication to whatever we do.
It is also important to keep good company.
Ethics in project management is essential for ensuring projects are conducted with integrity and fairness. It encompasses several key principles that guide the behavior and decisions of project managers and their teams.
Firstly, honesty and transparency are fundamental. Being truthful and clear about project details, including progress, challenges, and risks, builds trust among stakeholders. Fairness is equally important, ensuring that all team members and stakeholders are treated equally and given fair opportunities and resources. This creates a collaborative and positive work environment.
Accountability means taking responsibility for actions and decisions. Admitting mistakes, addressing issues promptly, and learning from them is crucial for ethical project management. Respect for stakeholders involves actively listening to their concerns and considering the impact of decisions on everyone involved, ensuring their needs are addressed.
THE SCOPE OF ETHICES IN PROJECTS
Ethics in project management are certain beliefs about what is morally acceptable or appropriate. It comprises the values of responsibility, honesty, respect and fairness. These four core values are central to the project management profession and must be adhered to by any project manager.
The Scope of Ethics is wide which is mainly concerned with the principles, rules, laws or causes of actions as : -It is concern with the question of “What obligation is common to all?”, “What is good to all to acts?”, “What is the sense of duty and responsibility?”, of Individual and Society. The entire question is laid under the scope of ethics.
The scope of ethics as a project manager in a organization it encompasses a whole lots of being honest dealing with clients and stakeholders, also transparency, and consistency in actions, decisions, and communication will go along way building a healthy relationships. Moreso, any project manager who exhibit integrity demonstrate a commitment to truthfulness, fairness, and ethical conduct. By upholding these principles, they foster an environment of trust among stakeholders involved in the project.
Blessing Olusakin (Team3 Cohort 16) As an entrepreneur that works with Farmers and strictly deals in organic farm produce, our core Values defines our practices and accomplishments. We deliver on Integrity,Originality,Affordability and Accessibility ensuring that our Clients / Customers gets farm Produce in their 100% organic form while making it affordable and accessible to all classes.
Value is a belief which direct a person or group of persons behavioral patern. It shapes their culture, standards, norms and interactions with the environment they are into.
In construction environments, value could be categorized base on cost of project delivered, the quality of project delivered, the safety of project and also the esthetic value of the project and manymore.
As a business woman some of the core values of my business are integrity, accountability, innovation, leadership, respect, commitment, passion and teamwork. It helps to shape my business and define its approach to our day to day activities especially in the interaction with both customers and people who are working under you.
Rose Matarise
Im n the horticulture farming industry and basically for us, our values encompass principles that guide decision-making, operations and interactions within the organization. These values also shape the organization’s culture and define its approach to projects and every day work. These may include among others;
Sustainability- A commitment to sustainable farming practices, environmental stewardship
and minimizing ecological impact.This value would influence my project work by emphasizing the use of organic methods, water conservation techniques and biodiversity preservation
Community Engagement- Valuing community relationships, supporting local economies and promoting agricultural education and awareness. This value will influence my project work by intergrating community feedback into farming practices
Organizational Values are the foundation of an organizational culture. Organizational values are the fundamental concepts that directs an organizations choices, deeds and conduct. Every organization or firm have their core value, this may slightly defer from other firms/organization. Some core values of a medical laboratory scientist include:
Integrity: which is gotten from good moral standards, should not be compromised, because this can lead to your patient loosing trust in you.
Confidentiality: it is expected that every patients result is kept confidential and should not be leaked no matter who wants the result except it’s with the permission of the patient.
Reliability: it’s important your patients have confidence in the results you give to them.
Patient care: it’s your responsibility to care for your patient, give them words of encouragement. This helps to give them hope that they will recover again.
As a Project Accountant in a real estate, our core value is delivering a stand out buildings.
This means, we must not compromise for low quality raw materials in our actions
My name is Okpoko Kingsley Maduabuchi, as a Team Lead in my organization, our main values are delivering the smartest and simplest solution, while guaranteeing the best experience all the time.
These values have shown me overtime that there can’t be any compromise as our customers satisfaction is the ultimate goal.
Also working with my team, these values comes into play i.e. ensuring the simplest and smart way of getting tasks done, being straight forward, and honesty.