Viewing Posts by Juan Posada Toro
Behind closed doors: When decisions feel already made
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The decision seemed straightforward, at least on the surface. A leadership role opened after the successful delivery of a project, and several team members demonstrated strong performance, commitment, and clear growth potential. However, when the announcement was made the outcome surprised many. Not because the selected individual lacked capability, mainly because the process lacked clarity. There were no transparent criteria, no visible evaluation process, and no opportunity for others to express interest. What was visible, however, was a prior relationship between the decision-maker and the selected individual. Intentionally or not, the perception of favoritism emerged immediately. This is how favoritism and nepotism tend to show up in project environments, not as obvious violations, but as subtle departures from fairness. Favoritism occurs when personal preferences influence professional decisions. Nepotism goes a step further, granting advantage to family members or close connections. In both cases, the issue is not always about competence, but about whether decisions are made impartially, objectively, and free from competing self-interest. From the perspective of PMI Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, these situations directly challenge the core values: Responsibility, Respect, Fairness, and Honesty. Here is how each value comes into play: - Responsibility is about ownership, not just of decisions, but of their consequences. Leaders are accountable for how decisions are made and for ensuring they align with the best interests of stakeholders. Avoiding structure or relying solely on personal judgment can unintentionally create ethical gaps. - Respect goes beyond courtesy. It requires creating an environment where individuals feel valued, included, and able to contribute fully. When opportunities are not openly communicated, it limits participation and can undermine a sense of belonging within the team. - Fairness is where the tension becomes most visible. The Code is explicit: decisions must be made impartially, and opportunities should be equally available to qualified individuals. It also clearly states that we must not reward or deny opportunities based on personal considerations such as favoritism or nepotism. Even the appearance of a conflict of interest must be treated with care and transparency. - Honesty is about creating an environment where truth can be spoken and heard. This includes being transparent about how decisions are made and ensuring that information is complete, accurate, and not misleading. The consequences of overlooking these values are not always immediate, but they are real. For example: the high performer who disengages, the colleague who stops applying, the meeting where fewer voices are heard. Trust does not disappear overnight, and it gets slowly replaced by doubt. To be fair, leadership decisions are rarely black and white. Trust, experience, and working relationships matter. But ethical leadership requires more than good intent, it requires intentional processes. This means defining and documenting clear evaluation criteria before decisions are made, ensuring transparency in decision-making, involving multiple perspectives, and openly disclosing potential conflicts of interest when impartiality could reasonably be questioned. Even when decisions are ultimately sound, the absence of visible structure and transparency can weaken trust, create perceptions of bias, and discourage future engagement from team members who feel the process was not equitable. Because ultimately, the question is not just whether the right person was selected. It is whether the process reflects the values we claim to uphold. As the Code reminds us, every choice matters, and collectively, those choices shape the credibility of our profession. Have you ever experienced a situation where a decision felt influenced by favoritism, and how did it change the way you trust leadership? Share your thoughts in the comments and let’s continue the 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 |
Ethical Dilemmas in the PMP Application & Exam Process: A Candid Conversation
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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."
Link to PMI’s Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct: https://www.pmi.org/about/ethics/guidelines |
Crafting a Better Gaming Future: Ethical Insights on the Video Game Industry
Categories:
Business Ethics,
Honesty,
Respect,
Responsibility,
Fairness,
Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct,
Ethics
Categories: Business Ethics, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, Ethics
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The PMI Code of Ethics emphasizes the importance of honesty. In video game development, this principle translates to transparent and truthful communication with players. For instance, the controversy surrounding microtransactions and loot boxes often stems from a lack of transparency. Games like "Star Wars: Battlefront II" faced significant backlash for their monetization strategies, perceived as exploitative due to hidden costs and undisclosed odds. Developers can align with the PMI's emphasis on honesty by clearly communicating the probabilities of in-game purchases and ensuring that players understand what they are buying. Riot Games, the company behind "League of Legends", has set a positive example by implementing policies to inform players about the odds of obtaining certain items through loot boxes, working towards a fairer and more transparent monetization system.
The PMI Code of Ethics stresses the importance of responsibility, which in game development means ensuring the quality of the product and being accountable for the outcomes. This principle is crucial when considering the labor practices within the industry. The notorious crunch periods, where developers work excessive hours to meet release deadlines, often result in subpar game releases and burnout among employees. For example, CD Projekt Red, developers of "Cyberpunk 2077", faced criticism for its labor practices and the game's troubled launch filled with technical issues. Conversely, Insomniac Games has been recognized for its commitment to avoiding crunch, promoting a healthy work-life balance, and ultimately delivering high-quality games. By prioritizing responsible development practices, companies can ensure better outcomes for both their employees and their products.
Respect is another cornerstone of the PMI Code of Ethics. In the context of video game development, this means valuing diversity and inclusion both within the game content and the development teams. Games like "Grand Theft Auto" have been criticized for perpetuating negative stereotypes, while titles like "The Last of Us Part II" have been praised for their diverse and complex representation of LGBTQ+ characters. Respecting diversity involves creating inclusive game content that reflects a wide range of experiences and perspectives. It also means fostering an inclusive workplace where diverse voices are heard and valued. This approach not only enhances the cultural richness of the games but also educates and sensitizes players to different realities, promoting empathy and understanding.
Fairness, a key value in the PMI Code of Ethics, involves making decisions impartially and equitably. In the gaming industry, this principle can be applied to both the treatment of employees and the design of game mechanics. Ensuring fair labor practices means providing equitable working conditions and opportunities for all employees, avoiding discriminatory practices, and fostering a supportive work environment. Fairness also applies to how games are designed and marketed. Developers should strive to create game mechanics that do not exploit players, particularly vulnerable groups such as minors. This includes reevaluating monetization strategies to ensure they are not predatory and that players are treated fairly.
Applying the PMI Code of Ethics to video game development underscores the importance of honesty, responsibility, respect, and fairness in shaping a positive and sustainable industry. By adhering to these ethical principles, developers can create inclusive and high-quality games, maintain a healthy and supportive work environment, and build trust with their player communities.
Link to PMI’s Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct: https://www.pmi.org/about/ethics/code |
PMI Talent Triangle®: how to classify PDUs related to ethics
Categories:
Decision-making,
PMI Talent Triangle,
Power Skills,
Ways of Working,
Business Acumen,
Ethics
Categories: Decision-making, PMI Talent Triangle, Power Skills, Ways of Working, Business Acumen, Ethics
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