PMI Code of Ethics in practice - Leading by example
From the Ethics Bistro Blog
by Tara Leparulo,
Shenila Shahabuddin, Juan Posada Toro, Albert Agbemenu, Ming Yeung, Kannan Ganesan, Yannick Arekion, Witold Hendrysiak, Stelian ROMAN, Laszlo J. Kremmer MBA, CSPO®, CSM®, PMP®
We all tackle ethical dilemmas. Wrong decisions can break careers. Which are the key challenges faced? What are some likely solutions? Where can we find effective tools? Who can apply these and why? Dry, theoretical discussions don't help. Join us for lively, light conversations to learn, share and grow!
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Ethics is not an abstract notion for a Project Manager, it is a fact of life and at the Project Management Institute, it is led from the top. On 8th of May Pierre Le Manh came to Sydney Australia to support the local chapter promoting the PMI-CP certification.
It wasn't the usual speech in front of thousands of participants at a Global Conference and for a busy person like Pierre, finding time to participate and take questions from the audience is more than a task, it is a practical example of a value that the PMI Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct calls RESPECT.

"Respect is our duty to show a high regard for ourselves, others, and the resources entrusted to us. Resources entrusted to us may include people, money, reputation, the safety of others, and natural or environmental resources. An environment of respect engenders trust, confidence, and performance excellence by fostering mutual cooperation—an environment where diverse perspectives and views are encouraged and valued"
PMI Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct
Posted
by
Stelian ROMAN
on: May 11, 2025 06:33 PM |
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Comments (3)
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Luis Branco
CEO| Business Insight, Consultores de Gestão, Ldª
Carcavelos, Lisboa, Portugal
Dear Stelian ROMAN,
Thank you for sharing such a tangible example of ethical leadership in action.
It’s inspiring to see the principles of the PMI Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct reflected through actions that foster proximity, listening, and respect.
However, I’d like to raise an important point for collective reflection:
How can we ensure that these same principles are applied with equal integrity across the entire PMI structure — including the Ethics Review Committee itself?
When ethical review processes take too long or when decisions seem disconnected from the core values, the impact on trust and credibility is unavoidable.
If we truly want ethics to be a living foundation — not just a symbolic reference — we must ensure coherence, fairness, and accountability at all levels of the organization.
Stelian ROMAN
Project Manager| MicroSafety
Carlingford, New South Wales, Australia
Hi Luis
Thank you for your feedback.
I agree with you that the review process sometimes feels too long. As a former member of the ERC, I can assure you that the reason is an in-depth review of each case.
The following document provides details on the complaints review and appeal process.
https://www.pmi.org/-/media/pmi/documents/public/pdf/ethics/ethics-complaints/ethics-case-procedures.pdf
Ming Yeung
Adjunct Professor| Various academic institutes
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Stelian, your blog beautifully illustrates how ethical leadership is best demonstrated through action. Pierre Le Manh’s presence and engagement in Sydney, Australia exemplify the PMI value of respect — not just in words, but in meaningful connection. I wholeheartedly agree that ethics must be lived, not just taught. When leaders prioritize listening, inclusion, and accountability, they cultivate trust and elevate professional standards. Respect, as defined by PMI, is foundational to project success and team cohesion. It’s inspiring to see ethics practiced with such authenticity, reminding us that every interaction is an opportunity to lead by example and reinforce the values that define our profession. Thank you for sharing the article to encourage deliberation amongst the project management community.
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