Angelica LariosCEO| ALACONTEC, S.A. de C.V.Mexico Df, Mexico
You have a complex ethical dilemma on your project. You know what you need to do, but you are being pressured by your business executive and your immediate supervisor to not rock the boat. After all, these things happen all the time in your organization. How do you approach this situation? How do you develop the courage to speak up? What options do you have? Saving Changes...
Thanks for the question and for all the great answers. Certainly more complex than many other PM knowledge area.
You can be a leader in reminding your superior of the organization's written "Policy/ principles/ slogan" (upward alignment). Then if they maintain an "opposing" position, yes decide fast, chosing integrity.
Success to all with your challenges. Saving Changes...
Angelica LariosCEO| ALACONTEC, S.A. de C.V.Mexico Df, Mexico
Sep 03, 2019 5:43 AM
Replying to Sergio Luis Conte
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What does mean ethical? Ethic must be put in a context. Usually organizations give the context because they have code of ethics in place.
Thank you Sergio. You are right, first ethics should mean the same to everyone involved. However, companies/organizations/entities defined ethics in their codes of ethics and values to delimit "ethical conduct" accepted or rejected. Saving Changes...
Angelica LariosCEO| ALACONTEC, S.A. de C.V.Mexico Df, Mexico
Sep 03, 2019 5:52 AM
Replying to Karl Twort
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Agree, although the way the question is worded by the Angelica suggested there is a clear breach of ethics in this scenario. Your answer is valid and should most definitely be considered before taking any action based on personal belief.
Thank you for your comment. Saving Changes...
Angelica LariosCEO| ALACONTEC, S.A. de C.V.Mexico Df, Mexico
Sep 03, 2019 6:27 AM
Replying to Steve Ratkaj
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A friend who worked in Japan for some time said they have a saying; "a fish rots from the head". What ethical example are "we" (Federal Government employees) supposed to set and live by when our own Prime Minister has been found guilty of breaking ethical "rules"?
Unortunately, most organizations "talk the talk", but don't "walk the walk" when it comes to their own ethical "rules".
Hi Steve, you are right. And even better if leaders and organizations "walk the talk;" however, in case of ethical conflict that put our beliefs in jeopardy, I would suggest to ponder what is important to us "individuals" in terms of ethical values vs. the organization's values and if we are willing to go against our own code. Thank you for sharing. Saving Changes...
Angelica LariosCEO| ALACONTEC, S.A. de C.V.Mexico Df, Mexico
Sep 03, 2019 2:48 PM
Replying to Kimberly Chavez
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I left a company over an ethical question in the past. You have to see how much flexibility the company will give you to make the right decision, manage the project properly and if in the end it is not enough and it pushes your boundaries beyond your comfort zone then a decision has to be made whether you are willing to breach those boundaries. A question of ethics can haunt you into your future career. Is it worth it? Not to me. Integrity is everything because even if I lose everything else, my word will always mean something.
I could not say it better Kimberly. Thank you for sharing. Saving Changes...
Angelica LariosCEO| ALACONTEC, S.A. de C.V.Mexico Df, Mexico
Sep 04, 2019 4:42 AM
Replying to Gretta Kelzi
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This happens all times, depending on the working environment, external factors, project team, stakeholders influence... however, when it comes to ethical values, personally, I don't think that there is a grey area... It is either White or Black!
In this case, If the situation is not suitable for speaking up, the ultimate next step that I would be doing is to ask my business executives to take the lead, up till now, it is working with me...
Thank you Gretta for the example. Agree with you, when ethical values are in the game, is either black or white. Saving Changes...
Angelica LariosCEO| ALACONTEC, S.A. de C.V.Mexico Df, Mexico
Sep 04, 2019 4:40 PM
Replying to Vincent Guerard
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On an ethical issue the more you wait for, the more complex it becomes
The pressure can come from people who are not respecting the organization Ethic.
In the end, you have to take a side.
Thank you Vincent, you right, the more time you wait, it is worst. Saving Changes...
Angelica LariosCEO| ALACONTEC, S.A. de C.V.Mexico Df, Mexico
Sep 04, 2019 4:58 PM
Replying to James Sweeney
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There is nothing of greater importance in conducting business than integrity. You earn respect by demonstrating integrity and strict adherence to values. You can never compromise your integrity, values, nor relinquish the principles of honesty.
Well said!!! Thank you for sharing. Saving Changes...
Well good reminder Angelica, thank you for bringing up this topic! A load of fantastic thoughts already from the community and reading them all each one couldn’t agree more being ethical is key definitely.
Sorry for diverting the attention here, I wonder if you or anyone in the community have come across situation at the other end of the spectrum where your line manager insisted you to actually ‘rock the boat’ for example by staging numbers, analysis etc in order to gain traction from certain stakeholder or sponsors, will this be considered unethical? Saving Changes...
