A project manager with short hair, wearing a blue and gold outfit, seated at a desk in a grand interior.
A project manager seated at a desk in an ornate interior.

Code of Ethics in Project Management

The Project Management Institute published a code of ethics and professional conduct to ensure confidence in the project management profession. This framework will ensure that a PM in situations that could challenge his integrity can make wise decisions by making sure that his or her integrity is not compromised.

4 Core Values for a Practising Project Manager

Responsibility: 1st Core Value

Responsibility is an indispensable core value for a project manager, as it forms the bedrock of their role in ensuring successful and ethical project delivery. As stewards of complex endeavors, project managers are responsible for coordinating resources, meeting objectives, and managing risks. However, this sense of responsibility goes beyond simply overseeing tasks; it extends to upholding their profession’s code of ethics. Project managers foster trust with team members by leading through example and cultivating a work environment built on collaboration and mutual accountability. Embracing responsibility as the guiding principle at every stage of a project’s lifecycle – from planning to execution – ensures that project managers meet deliverables efficiently while adhering to high standards of professional conduct outlined in the code of ethics governing their practice.

Respect: 2nd Core Value

Respect is undeniably one of the core values that a project manager must embody. As a project manager, it is imperative to treat all team members with dignity. One has to consider their team member’s perspectives as valuable contributions to the overall success of the project. Demonstrating respect entails actively listening to each team member’s opinions, concerns, and ideas without judgment or bias. It involves acknowledging their expertise and experience by valuing their input in decision-making processes. Moreover, respecting individual differences fosters an inclusive work environment where diverse talents can thrive harmoniously toward achieving common goals. Upholding respect extends beyond internal stakeholders. It encompasses external entities such as clients, suppliers, and partners who play crucial roles in project execution. Consequently, adherence to a code of ethics becomes essential for project managers. Especially, when navigating complex professional relationships while upholding this core value of respect.

Fairness: 3rd Core of Project Management Code of Ethics

Respect is undeniably one of the core values that a project manager must embody. Demonstrating respect entails actively listening to each team member’s opinions, concerns, and ideas without judgment or bias. It involves acknowledging their expertise and experience by valuing their input in decision-making processes. Moreover, respecting individual differences fosters an inclusive work environment where diverse talents can thrive harmoniously toward achieving common goals. Upholding respect extends beyond internal stakeholders. It encompasses external entities such as clients, suppliers, and partners who play crucial roles in project execution. Adherence to a code of ethics becomes essential for project managers. Especially while navigating complex professional relationships and upholding this core value of respect.

Honesty: 4th Core of Project Management Code of Ethics

Honesty is not just a desirable trait, but an indispensable core value for any project manager following the Project Management Code of Ethics. It is a fundamental Core Value of a PM. A project team and its stakeholders build trust and credibility on the bedrock provided by it. A project manager must uphold honesty as part of their Code of Ethics. A PM should ensure transparency in all aspects of their work.

Consistently conveying accurate information and providing realistic expectations to both team members and clients establishes them as reliable. This makes them professionals who can be trusted to deliver on their commitments. Moreover, honesty also encompasses admitting mistakes or errors promptly rather than concealing them, allowing for timely corrective action. This commitment to truthfulness fosters an environment where open communication thrives and problems are addressed proactively instead of being swept under the rug. In this way, honesty is a guiding force that promotes integrity throughout every stage of the project management process while nurturing strong professional relationships based on trust and respect. You can get the ethical decision-making framework from the pmi.org website.