Question

Explain the consideration of the PMI ethical standards during project initiation or planning processes. Include an example of an ethical dilemma in the project initiation or planning processes. To obtain this example, ysearch the internet for ethical dilemmas in project management. Then, apply the EDMF to arrive at an ethically appropriate decision for this dilemma.

Answer 1

The PMI (Project Management Institute) is a global project management organization which is involved in skills development and enhancement for PM professionals. PMI has set up ethical standards to be followed strictly at workplace and recommend that PMI members work in an ethical manner and act morally so that an environment of trust and transparency is maintained. Ethics should be embedded with professional duties and everyone to be accountable to do so.

I would like to give an example of ethical dilemma while selecting a vendor who can deliver some desired services to you. Sometimes stakeholders have their favourite vendors due to personal relationship. In this case some deserving vendors get deprived of the opportunity to get the work inspite of being capable to serve them better.

Lets apply the EDMF to arrive at an ethically appropriate decision for this dilemma:

PMI EDMF is a logical sequence of steps as below:

1. Assessment: Here we assess all the facts related to ethical dilemma so we ask questions like:

Is it as per the company's code and ethics?

As per company's code & ethics, fair selection process should be followed and everyone should be given chance to be evaluated while selecting vendor

2. Alternative: We consider our choices in this step by asking some questions

What is the other approach to select vendors where everyone can participate

We can introduce some qualification criterias so that deserving vendors only get shortlisted

3. Analysis: In this step we analyse our decision and check whether its valid or not

We should be free from any influence while taking decision

4. Application: We should be applying ethical codes and principles here

Decision should be in best interest of organization

Due to favouritism, company might loose on good vendors delivering efficient services

5. Action: In this part, we take an action

We decide here whether we are ready to take this decision of implementing fair selection of vendors process

Are we brave enough to take this initiative . Can we make this public?