Ethics Bistro

Earning the Project Management Professional (PMP^®) certification is more than just passing an exam. It is a testament to your expertise, discipline, and, above all, your integrity. A significant achievement that validates your expertise and commitment to ethical project management. However, the path to certification can sometimes present ethical challenges: whether in the application process, exam preparation, or even during the test itself.

To explore these issues, let us imagine a conversation between Alexia, a seasoned PMP with a reputation for ethical rigor, and Jordan, who is preparing to apply for the certification but faces some moral dilemmas.

Jordan: "Alexia, I am almost ready to submit my PMP application, but I am a few months short on experience. A colleague suggested I ‘adjust’ my project dates to fit PMI’s requirements. What do you think?"

Alexia: "That is a red flag, Jordan. Project Management Institute (PMI^®) does not just expect honesty, they require it. Falsifying dates violate the PMI Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct (CoEPC) and could lead to your application being rejected. Or worse, revocation of your certification if discovered later. Instead, consider waiting until you have gained the necessary experience. Integrity matters more than rushing the process."

Jordan: "What about asking someone who recently took the exam for details on specific questions? Would that not help me prepare better?"

Alexia: "No, it would undermine the entire certification’s value. The PMP is not a trivia quiz, it is a validation of your competence. Memorizing leaked questions does not make you a better project manager. PMI’s confidentiality agreement exists for a reason. If you want to pass, put in the work: study the PMBOK® and additional resources, review the Exam Content Online, use legitimate practice exams, and earn your success. Remember, the goal is not just to pass, it is to truly understand and apply project management."

Jordan: "I have seen online vendors offering guaranteed passes or even proxy test-taking services. Are those legitimate?"

Alexia: "Legitimate? No. Ethical? Absolutely not. Any vendor promising a guaranteed pass or offering to take the exam for you is engaging in fraud. PMI actively investigates such scams, and if caught, you will face permanent disqualification. Stick to PMI-authorized training providers (ATPs) and avoid any shortcuts that compromise ethics."

Jordan: "What if I see a colleague cheating or misrepresenting their experience? Should I say something?"

Alexia: "Yes! You have a professional obligation to speak up. Silence enables misconduct. If you witness unethical behavior, whether in applications, exam prep, or the testing center, you have a responsibility to address it. Start with a direct but respectful conversation by advising your colleague because their actions harm the profession. Explain the risks and encourage them to follow the right path. If they dismiss you, then yes, you escalate. This is not about being a ‘snitch,’ it is about protecting the credibility of the PMP for everyone who earned it honestly."

Ethics Matter: Integrity is not optional; it is the Foundation
Let us be clear: The PMP certification is not a checkbox. It is a public declaration that you adhere to the highest standards of project management, including ethics. It is about who you are as a professional. Every time someone lies on their application, cheats on the exam, or turns a blind eye to misconduct, they erode the certification’s worth. By adhering to ethical standards, you not only earn your certification the right way…you also uphold the credibility of the profession.

Have you faced ethical dilemmas in your PMP journey or that of a colleague? How did you handle them?
Share your thoughts in the comments and have an honest conversation.

References

Link to PMI’s Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct: https://www.pmi.org/about/ethics/guidelines
Link to PMI’s Ethical Decision-Making Framework (EDMF): https://www.pmi.org/ethics/ethical-decision-making-framework.pdf
Link to PMI’s Blog on Ethics “Ethics Bistro”: https://www.projectmanagement.com/blogs/365304/ethics-bistro
Link to PMI’s PMP Certification Information: https://www.pmi.org/certifications/project-management-pmp

That little booklet, the "PMI's Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct (CoEPC)", usually ends up in a drawer somewhere, right? Most project managers get it when they renew their certifications and don't think much about it after. Sarah was one of them. But lately, a decision she made on a project just didn't feel right. She picked up the pamphlet, almost by accident. Could this thing, usually ignored like a fire safety manual until there's smoke, actually help her figure things out? Was it just another piece of paper, or could it really make being a project manager better? 

All PMI members, volunteers, certification holders, and certification applicants accepted the PMI’s CoEPC. Has this document been read, understood, and complied with, or was the checkbox confirming acceptance checked without reading it, like the legal clauses attached to contracts in small print? It is not easy to answer this question. We can however state that it is not a dead document covered with dust, having no impact on us.

Thanks to the complaint process in place and a group of PMI volunteers serving in the Ethics Review Committee (ERC) the CoEPC has become a powerful tool to enforce ethical behavior in the project management profession. Whenever an unethical behavior is observed anybody can file a complaint. This complaint will be carefully investigated, and appropriate actions will be taken.  

We are not helpless facing somebody bullying, cheating, being dishonest or not respecting rules and regulations. All that is needed is our courage to stand for truth and justice and simply state the facts by filing a complaint. From this moment the case is in the capable hands of the ERC, which will do whatever is necessary. 

Please visit the https://www.pmi.org/about/ethics/cases webpage to review the public reprimands recently published, which is just the top of the iceberg of the strongest sanctions applied. This is proof that PMI takes seriously the continuous effort to make project management an ethical profession. 

Your involvement in this process is, however, critical. Code section 2.3.3 says: “We bring violations of this Code to the attention of the appropriate body for resolution.” Do you have the courage to act if needed? 

In this fast-paced world of project delivery, where deadlines, deliverables, and decisions often dominate the agenda, there is one leadership act that costs nothing, takes seconds, and yet carries immense value: saying thank you.

I have realized the quiet but transformative power of gratitude not just in life, but especially in leadership. Too often, we assume our appreciation is understood, that our team members know they are doing a good job, or that, after all, “it’s their job.” But assumptions, no matter how well-intentioned, can create a void of recognition, and over time, that void affects morale, trust, and motivation. There have been moments when a simple “thank you” directed at me shifted my perspective, softened my approach, or reminded me of the value I was bringing often in times when I needed it most. It did not change the task, but it changed how I felt about doing it. And that made a lot of difference. As leaders, we should not underestimate this.

“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.”

— William Arthur Ward

Gratitude and the PMI Code of Ethics

The PMI Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct encourages us to embody values like Respect, Fairness, Responsibility, and Honesty. Saying thank you directly reflects:

Respect – acknowledging the dignity and contributions of every team member.

Responsibility – creating a culture of recognition, not just accountability.

Fairness – ensuring people feel seen and valued, not just managed.

Expressing gratitude is not just a social nicety it is a leadership competency. It aligns with emotional intelligence, stakeholder engagement, and the human side of delivery that PMI now recognises as central to modern project management.

Research backs this too. A Harvard Business School study showed that employees who feel appreciated are more productive, engaged, and loyal. The simple act of appreciation contributes to psychological safety a key enabler of high-performing teams.

“The deepest principle in human nature is the craving to be appreciated.”

 William James, philosopher, and psychologist

So, what can we do?

• Let’s make gratitude part of our professional practice!
• Say “thank you” frequently, but genuinely.
• Recognise the small wins, not just the milestones.
• Make appreciation part of your retrospectives, meetings, and feedback loops.
• Role-model it because leadership starts with behaviour, not titles.

Gratitude builds connection, and connection builds trust. And where there is trust, there is progress.

“People work for money but go the extra mile for recognition, praise, and rewards.”

— Dale Carnegie

So, here’s to remembering that while processes and plans keep projects on track, people move them forward. And sometimes, the most powerful tool in a project manager’s toolkit is simply saying: “Thank you.” It is a small act that reflects the very heart of the PMI Code of Ethics showing respect, fostering trust, and recognising the value every individual brings to the project.

Sunday, 23rd of March 2025 – A recent segment on 60 Minutes Australia highlighted growing concerns around the ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI) in digital platforms. In the episode titled “Defiant: Former Executive Takes on Facebook” (Watch here), a former Facebook (Meta) executive raised questions about how AI systems influence content delivery and the potential consequences for individuals and society.

This conversation echoes earlier testimonies from Frances Haugen, a former employee who publicly shared concerns about how content ranking algorithms may contribute to broader societal challenges (2021, 2024). These discussions are part of an important global dialogue on the ethical design and use of AI technologies not only in social media, but across all sectors.

As AI becomes increasingly embedded in business solutions, it’s vital that organizations consider its ethical implications during project planning and delivery. To address this, the inclusion of an AI Management Plan in project management plan and governance should be adopted as  best practice to ensure ethical alignment, regulatory compliance, and responsible innovation.

AI systems are driven by algorithms and data both of which can reflect the limitations and biases of their sources. When ethical considerations are not built into the design and deployment of AI, the technology can inadvertently reinforce inequalities or deliver unintended outcomes. This risk is amplified in high-impact areas such as recruitment, finance, law enforcement, and content moderation.

In recent years, several public examples have highlighted the complexities involved. For instance, facial recognition systems have led to wrongful arrests, particularly in the United States. One notable case involved Robert Williams ( https://www.abc.net.au/news/science/2023-11-01/ai-facial-recognition-robert-williams-crime-prison/103032148), who was wrongfully arrested in Detroit due to a false facial recognition match.

In the hiring domain, Amazon discontinued an AI recruiting tool  after it was found to show bias against female applicants (Reuters Article).

These examples underline the importance of proactively managing AI-related risks within the project lifecycle. The broader public discussion around AI use highlighted by media programs and individual testimonies shows that innovation must be balanced with responsibility. AI has the potential to deliver significant benefits, but only when developed and deployed with care and Ethics at the forefront. This can be achieved by embedding an AI Management Plan into project delivery, then organizations can demonstrate a commitment to ethical practice and risk mitigation. This proactive approach not only ensures compliance but also enhances transparency and trust in the solutions being delivered. In an era where AI is rapidly evolving, taking a structured, ethical approach isn’t just good practice it’s becoming essential. Building trust in AI starts with responsible project delivery, and that starts with planning for ethics from day one.

Question?

What are your thoughts on including an AI Management Plan as part of project delivery? What key sections or considerations do you believe should be included to ensure ethical and responsible AI implementation?

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ProjectManagement.com - Ethics Bistro

Introduction
In the digital age, the ease of sharing resources has revolutionized education and collaboration. However, this convenience has also blurred the lines between ethical sharing and piracy. The unauthorized distribution of copyrighted materials raises significant ethical and legal concerns, challenging individuals and organizations to navigate this gray area responsibly. This essay explores the ethical implications of intellectual property theft, citing recent lawsuits, analyzing the issues through ethical frameworks, and proposing solutions aligned with the PMI Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct (CoE&PC) and the Ethical Decision-Making Framework (EDMF).

Recent Lawsuits on Intellectual Property Theft
Recent cases highlight the growing prevalence of intellectual property theft. For instance, Canadian media organizations filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging that the company unlawfully scraped copyrighted data to train its AI models. Similarly, a British Columbia artist initiated a class-action lawsuit against OpenAI and Microsoft for reproducing copyrighted works without permission. These cases underscore the tension between innovation and the protection of intellectual property rights.

Ethical Analysis of the Issues
From an ethical perspective, the unauthorized sharing of copyrighted materials violates the core values of responsibility, respect, and fairness outlined in the PMI CoE&PC. Responsibility entails adhering to legal and ethical standards, while respect emphasizes honoring the rights of content creators. Fairness requires equitable treatment of all stakeholders, including those who invest time and resources in creating intellectual property.

Clauses Infracted by Intellectual Property Theft
In cases of intellectual property theft, several clauses of the PMI CoE&PC are often violated. For example, the principle of honesty is compromised when individuals or organizations use copyrighted materials without proper attribution or permission. Additionally, the principle of respect is breached when the intellectual property rights of creators are disregarded.

Remedies and Workarounds per CoE&PC and EDMF
To address these issues, the CoE&PC and EDMF provide valuable guidance. Remedies include:
1. Education and Awareness: Organizations should educate employees and users about copyright laws and ethical practices.
2. Policy Implementation: Establishing clear policies on the use of copyrighted materials can prevent unintentional violations.
3. Collaboration with Rights Holders: Engaging with content creators to obtain permissions or licenses fosters mutual respect and compliance.

Proposed Solution
A comprehensive solution involves a multi-faceted approach:
- Technological Measures: Implementing digital rights management (DRM) systems to protect copyrighted materials.
- Ethical Training: Incorporating ethics training into organizational programs to reinforce the importance of intellectual property rights.
- Transparent Practices: Encouraging transparency in the use and distribution of materials to build trust and accountability.

Corrective Actions
To rectify instances of intellectual property theft, organizations should:
1. Conduct thorough investigations to identify the root cause of violations.
2. Take corrective measures, such as removing unauthorized content and compensating rights holders.
3. Review and update policies to prevent future occurrences.

Closing Summary
In conclusion, the ethical challenges posed by the sharing of copyrighted materials demand a balanced approach that respects intellectual property rights while promoting accessibility and innovation. By adhering to the PMI CoE&PC and EDMF, individuals and organizations can navigate these complexities responsibly. Let us commit to fostering a culture of ethical awareness and accountability, ensuring that our actions align with the highest standards of integrity.  

Call to Action
How would you, as an ethical project practitioner, act when facing this piracy issue? Does the situation happen to you? Are there any other lessons learnt and remedies to which you can relate? The PMI Ethics Insight Team likes to bring this timely topic for a healthy deliberation.

References: 

Mach, J. (2024, December 2). Media companies’ lawsuit against OpenAI latest in growing number of challenges to AI data scraping. canadianlawyermag.com. https://www.canadianlawyermag.com/practice-areas/intellectual-property/media-companies-lawsuit-against-openai-latest-in-growing-number-of-challenges-to-ai-data-scraping/390113

Project Management Institute. (n.d.). Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct. pmi.org. https://www.pmi.org/-/media/pmi/documents/public/pdf/ethics/code-values-card.pdf

Project Management Institute. (2011). PMI Ethical Decision-Making Framework(EDMF). pmi.org. https://www.pmi.org/-/media/pmi/documents/public/pdf/ethics/ethical-decision-making-framework.pdf