Lily MurariuResearch Council Officer Program Advisor| National Research Council CanadaCantley, Quebec, Canada
Shelly works as a Program Manager in public sector, in a fast speed, politically sensitive, multicultural environment, managing a team of professionals, delivering an array of sensitive projects. Shelly is a well – seasoned professional, with a good reputation, recognized for her knowledge, expertise and her strong work ethics.
Recently, during the meetings with senior management, she has noticed that frequently her superior (i.e. director) makes inappropriate comments about other senior management. These comments refer to their knowledge and understanding of the current projects, their urgency, issues and their progress. Shelly has also heard similar conversations, “small talks”, happening in the kitchen and photocopier area of the office.
As this situation has been happening for a few weeks now Shelly is tormented by the unethical behavior of her boss, and she is ready to initiate actions.
What will you do if you see your superior/leader is behaving unethically? What would you recommend Shelly to do? Saving Changes...
Lily MurariuResearch Council Officer Program Advisor| National Research Council CanadaCantley, Quebec, Canada
May 16, 2018 8:19 AM
Replying to Cheikh FAYE
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From two things, the one: we agree with such practices or we condemn , there is no half measure. We are against such bad practices without any attenuating circumstances and we certainly report to the hierarchy to take appropriate sanctions.When we must give the example, we must not behave so negatively at the peril of the entire community.
Cheikh: Thank you for your comment.
Reporting this type of behavior is not only a demonstration of courage and the ability for standing by your own values but also a responsibility:
" We report the unethical or illegal conduct to appropriate management and, if necessary, to those affected by the conduct."(PMI Code of Ethics 2.3.2.) Saving Changes...
Lily MurariuResearch Council Officer Program Advisor| National Research Council CanadaCantley, Quebec, Canada
May 16, 2018 7:33 AM
Replying to Kevin Drake
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I went through it one time and I hate to remember it or to go into details, I walked off from the whole company within few weeks.
@Kevin: Thank you for sharing this here. Saving Changes...
Lily MurariuResearch Council Officer Program Advisor| National Research Council CanadaCantley, Quebec, Canada
@Dinah: Thank you for your profound and detailed response.
A systematic approach like the one you presented, in alignment with the organizational policy, should be the best avenue.
"Divide et impera" in itself signals the need for an organizational culture that drives ethical behaviour and leads to a "zero" tolerance policy for this type of behavior. Saving Changes...
Lily MurariuResearch Council Officer Program Advisor| National Research Council CanadaCantley, Quebec, Canada
May 15, 2018 9:34 PM
Replying to Sante Delle-Vergini, PhD
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Always talk to them first. It may not be what you think. So that is the first thing. If it is ethical (and depending on what it is) ask them to stop or you may have to report it. If it something detrimental to the company or employees, you will need to report them regardless.
@Sante: Thank you for your insight, Santhe, this is so true. Start with the basic, and communication should be the "forte" of any project manager.
Act based on facts and evidence rather than perceptions, and assumptions based on "one-time accident" or rumors.
Project managers " file ethics complaints when they are substantiated by facts." (PMI Code of ethics 2.3.4.) Saving Changes...
Lily MurariuResearch Council Officer Program Advisor| National Research Council CanadaCantley, Quebec, Canada
May 15, 2018 6:55 PM
Replying to Eric Simms
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Badmouthing one's colleagues isn't 'unethical'. The director's actions are unprofessional, unwise, unkind and reflect poorly on the director personally, but the director's actions aren't illegal. Unless the organization's code of conduct specifically prohibits negative talk about coworkers, the director isn't doing anything one can call unethical.
Consider: What if everything the director is saying about the other senior managers is true? What if the director is trying to expose senior managers who schmoozed their way into their positions, and whose incompetence is threatening to cause the organization serious problems? Shelly needs to talk to the director to find out the reasons behind his or her critique of the senior managers; only then should she decide how to act.
@Eric: Thank you, Eric, it is indeed a very good approach what you are suggesting.
Gather evidence as the basic start of the ethical decision-making process. Saving Changes...
