I’m what one might call an “Ethics Enthusiast” – I find the topic both important and fascinating. A question as simple as “What is Ethics?” can have a short and concise answer, like the definition from the Oxford Dictionary: “moral principles that govern a person’s behavior or the conducting of an activity.” Or, as you will soon discover, the answer to “What is Ethics?” can take an entire blog post to just scratch the surface.
So then, let’s officially ask the question…What is Ethics? Is it just about following the law, or is there more to it? As a project management professional, you’re likely to encounter ethical dilemmas regularly, and of course, PMI has the Code of Ethics to guide you. The challenge is that what’s ethical in one place may not be in another, and the idea of ethics itself can sometimes be manipulated for political or competitive advantage.
Let’s dive into the often murky waters of ethics in project management and explore how you can lead with integrity.
What is Ethics in Project Management?
At first glance, you might think ethics is simple—just do what’s right. But the reality is far more complicated. For starters, there’s a big difference between what’s legal and what’s ethical. Just because something is legal doesn’t mean it’s ethical, and vice versa. For example, a company might legally be able to slash jobs for short-term gains, but is the negative impact on so many households really “in the best interest of society” as the PMI Code of Ethics suggests we should aspire to?
Then there’s the challenge of culture. What’s considered moral or ethical in one country may be completely different in another. In some parts of the world, gift-giving is a normal part of business, while in others, it’s seen as bribery. So, whose morals should we follow? Is one country pushing morals on another country ethical? As project managers working across global teams, these cultural nuances make ethics even more challenging to define.
The Politics of Ethics
In the business world, the word “ethics” can sometimes be used as a political tool – a way to undermine or discredit others. Labeling someone as unethical can be an easy way to tarnish their reputation or gain the upper hand, even if their actions are debatable or situationally justified. Is it fair to throw around the term “unethical” so casually? I would suggest not learning ethics from politics where power and ethics are opponents in many instances.
Professional organizations often include ethics in their certification processes, but is this a genuine commitment to moral leadership, or is it a way to align with social trends and appear more socially responsible? If one organization’s ethics conflict with another, which is the right one? The landscape of ethics in project management can be more political than moral.
Ethical Dilemmas in Project Management
Ethical dilemmas in project management are something I could probably talk about for infinity. Since we don’t have that kind of time, let’s start by taking a closer look at risk management. As project managers, we’re tasked with identifying, documenting, and categorizing risks. But if we don’t put in the effort to mitigate those risks—especially the high-priority ones—we could jeopardize an entire project, financially or otherwise. That’s not just bad project management; it’s unethical.
So, why does the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) emphasize ethics in bold terms, yet doesn’t give the same emotional weight to other critical areas like risk management? Does the strong focus on ethics actually instill those values, or does it simply create fear? When we emphasize one area so heavily, are we encouraging people to be ethical, or are we just making them afraid of being labeled unethical?
Consider the PMP exam. In earlier versions of the test, ethics wasn’t considered a major focus. Does that mean those of us who took the exam years ago were somehow unethical because it wasn’t required knowledge back then? And are ethical behaviors the same wherever you work? In some organizations, strategically cutting corners may be standard practice to ensure projects come in on budget, while in others, it would be seen as deeply unethical. Who is to say that one ethical priority (maintaining trust with the client by adhering to the budget) is more important than another ethical priority (following all best practices)? Should there even be a universal code of ethics for project managers when ethics itself can be so…squishy?
In the PMI Code of Ethics section 1.5 it says: “Although adherence to the aspirational standards is not easily measured, conducting ourselves in accordance with these is an expectation that we have of ourselves as professionals–it is not optional!” As an ethics enthusiast, I adore how emotional the last sentence ends (not optional !). Why not be this emotional with something like Risk Management?
Emotional Intelligence (EI), Leadership, and Ethics
Perhaps part of the answer to this conundrum is that ethical leadership goes beyond simply following rules. It requires emotional intelligence (EI)—the ability to be self-aware, empathetic, and respectful. Ethical behavior is about more than labeling others as right or wrong; it’s about navigating differences with understanding and care.
The key to ethical leadership is respect. Even if you disagree with someone’s decisions or actions, true ethics come from respecting their perspective and maintaining trust. There’s an old saying: “Actions speak louder than words.” In today’s society, words are louder than ever, but ethical leaders know that it’s how they behave—rather than what they say—that defines their integrity.
Be Ethical by Being Authentic
At the end of the day, ethics in project management is about being authentic and staying true to your values. Don’t let the fear of the word ‘ethics’ stop you from being yourself. Ethics should guide you, not stifle you. Ethics isn’t just about following the rules; it’s about having integrity, respecting others, and building trust—especially when you disagree.
Being ethical isn’t about weaponizing the term to win battles. It’s about showing care, respect, and responsibility through your actions. As project managers, it’s time to lead with ethics, not fear. After all, actions speak louder than words.
Yours truly, James McCoy—The Ethics Enthusiast