Ethics in Project Management

Definition of Ethics

How does one define Ethics in Project Management? In its simple form ethics would mean to “do the right thing”. But in the complex world of project management with so many decisions, people involved, deadlines, competing issues and risks and viewpoints, it is difficult to say what the “right thing” is in every case. At the same time it is possible for there to be the “wrong things” to do that result in scandals such as Enron and its collapse and destruction of careers and wealth. The question is also “do the right thing” but for who, or for what? For the sake of which entity? In business, the commonly accepted “right thing” in the workplace environment is to do what is right for the products/services and the stakeholders of the company (shareholders, executives, Board of Directors). However, what is “right” for profit of the business may step over boundaries not generally accepted in the laws and moral conduct of our society. There have to be boundaries to what companies can do to generate profit.

Because there have been many scandals in business, which companies generally do want to avoid, companies often create a credo or code of ethics on which that they train their employees. Usually the code of ethics includes both the “thou shalt’s” and “thou shalt not’s”. This code may include values or virtues such as Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Caring, Justice and fairness, Civic virtue and citizenship. PMI includes a Code of Ethics that includes pledges of high standards, integrity, professional conduct, responsibility for actions, seeking to enhance professional capabilities, practicing fairness and honesty, encouraging others to act ethically and professionally. ASAPM also has a code of conduct which is similar but adds clauses such as rejecting bribery, being honest in representation, to avoid real or perceived conflicts of interest, treat diverse people respectfully including rage, religion, gender, disability,...