Ethics and Project Management PDF

Ethics and Project Management What is Ethics?  Ethics refers to a systematic study of the norms and values that guide how humans should live their lives  Ethics is the activity of understanding moral values, resolving moral issues and justifying moral judgements. It is also the disci...

Ethics and Project Management What is Ethics?  Ethics refers to a systematic study of the norms and values that guide how humans should live their lives  Ethics is the activity of understanding moral values, resolving moral issues and justifying moral judgements. It is also the discipline or area of study resulting from that activity  It is a branch of philosophy dealing with values that relate to the nature of human conduct and values associated with that conduct  The study of ethics generally consists of examination of right, wrong, good, evil, virtue, duty, obligation, rights, justice, fairness and so on, in human relationship with each other and other living things  Ethics involves judgments about the rightness or wrongness of human behaviour Characteristics  Determining good from bad  Judgment  Behaviour  Ethical Situations  Determining the appropriate response to a given situation Misperceptions about ethics  Ethics has no bottom-line value  Ethics is an abstract, not a real concept  Ethics is a stand-alone topic  Ethics is applicable to people only at the top of an organization  Ethics applies to the other person  Ethics involves only compliance  Ethics Deals only with matters that are “Black and White” in Nature Key factors  Peers  Culture  Power  Competition  Rewards  Experiences  Role expectations  Structure  Management style Common Terminology  Integrity  Virtue  Values  Trust  Honesty  Morality  Character  Fairness Hard and Soft Ethics  Hard ethics refers to the formal, codified rules and regulations that govern ethical behavior in project management.  This includes legal requirements, professional codes of conduct, and organizational policies that are clear-cut and enforceable.  Soft ethics involves the more subjective, value-based aspects of ethical behavior in project management. It focuses on the underlying principles, morals, and values that guide decision- making, often in situations where the rules may not be explicitly clear or where multiple ethical considerations must be balanced. Hard Ethics  Characteristics:  Rule-Based: Emphasizes adherence to established rules, standards, and laws.  Compliance-Focused: Involves ensuring that all actions and decisions comply with the formal codes of conduct, industry standards, and legal requirements.  Clear Consequences: Violations of hard ethics typically result in well- defined penalties, such as fines, legal action, or professional sanctions. Hard Ethics Examples:  Following contract laws and ensuring that all project activities comply with legal regulations.  Adhering to the PMI Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, which includes principles like honesty, fairness, and respect.  Ensuring that all financial transactions in a project are transparent and properly documented. Soft Ethics Characteristics: o Value-Based: Relies on personal and organizational values, such as trust, integrity, and empathy, to guide ethical decision-making. o Contextual and Flexible: Recognizes that ethical dilemmas often require nuanced, context-specific judgments rather than strict adherence to rules. o Relationship-Oriented: Emphasizes the importance of maintaining positive relationships with stakeholders, team members, and clients. Soft Ethics Examples:  Deciding how to balance the interests of different stakeholders when they conflict with each other, such as choosing between cost savings and employee well-being.  Addressing ethical dilemmas that involve cultural differences or differing expectations, where strict rules may not provide clear guidance.  Acting in a way that fosters trust and collaboration within the project team, even in the absence of formal rules. Integration of Hard and Soft Ethics in Project Management Effective project management often requires a balance between hard and soft ethics. While hard ethics provide a foundation of rules and standards to ensure consistent and fair practices, soft ethics help navigate the complexities and gray areas that rules alone cannot address. For instance, a project manager may follow all legal requirements (hard ethics) but also consider the broader impact of their decisions on the community or environment (soft ethics). Consequences of Ethical Failure  Legal Consequences  Financial Consequences  Reputational Damage  Operational Consequences  Social and Environmental Consequences  Personal Consequences for Individuals  Organizational Consequences  Long-term Impact on Industry and Society Understanding Ethical Dilemmas  An ethical dilemma occurs when an individual or organization faces a decision-making situation where there are conflicting moral principles or values, and there is no clear right or wrong answer.  These dilemmas often involve a choice between two or more ethically challenging options, where selecting one option may compromise another ethical principle Key Considerations  Identify the Stakeholders  Clarify the Ethical Principles involved  Consider the Consequences  Explore Alternatives  Reflect on Professional and Organizational Ethics  Consider the Broader Social Impact  Assess Personal Integrity  Make a Decision and Take Responsibility  Evaluate and Reflect Post-Decision