Ethics in Project Management
Decisions and Dilemmas
Project management is driven by decisions, often dozens or more per day. Some decisions are small and barely noticed while others are prominent. Some require deep thought because they involve people, resources and the environment. And sometimes these factors are in conflict, creating a dilemma and perhaps significant risks. While project managers normally know what to do, how to do it can become a puzzle — especially when stakeholder interests conflict. Like all leaders, project managers build trust by the way they make decisions. Here again, the “how to do it” can be puzzling yet is instrumentally important.
Ethics is the discipline of “how to do it best”. To guide behavior and help with tough decisions, we've crafted a Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct and an Ethical Decision-Making Framework. To deepen your knowledge and perspective, we provide numerous articles, papers and webinars.
When unethical behaviors arise, take action. Use our ethics complaint and review process and see the specialized resources available.
Impact of Ethical Decisions
In a complex world of global transformation, navigating challenging ethical situations and effective decision-making is facilitated by a compass of ethical guardrails and values. Engaging in an ethical manner ensures that there is an equal balance between profit, the planet, and our people, creating a sustainable future.
Lissa Muncer
PMI Ethics Insight Team
United Kingdom
Being ethical may not increase the net worth of a project practitioner, yet acting unethically will tarnish the core value of one. Acting in an ethical way in everything one does is neither refutable nor negotiable.
Ming Yeung
PMI Ethics Insight Team
Canada
Public Announcement
The ERC recently found two people in violation of the Code and ordered a public reprimand.
Advertisement