Valerie Denney Associate Professor| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University- WorldwideCleveland, Sc, United States
The PMI Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct (pmi.org/about/ethics/code) affirms four key values. These include responsibility, respect, fairness and honesty. The code says “we set high standards for ourselves and we aspire to meet these standards in all aspects of our lives—at work, at home, and in service to our profession. “
During the COVID pandemic, most individuals have not had the opportunity for face to face communication. While the phone or video are still communication options, it seems that many have taken to social media or text messages to express their opinions.
When PMI member openly insults the integrity of someone in a disagreement, say via LinkedIn or Facebook, how does the code apply? Is the answer different if the individual shows a PMI credential (PMP or other) in their bio, or headline? Is that individual in fact representing PMI? What obligations do we have as members of the profession to adhere to the code in our personal lives? I’d also love to hear your thoughts on how to disagree with respect. How can we have open, honest conversations on social media (or should we?) without appearing disrespectful? Saving Changes...
Thomas WalentaGlobal Project Economy ExpertHackenheim, Germany
Hi Valerie
great discussion topic, linking the code and social media. And you ask a lot of specific questions about it.
For me, the code is much more than a set of standards to comply to. It is rather providing thru the values means to work on myself, day by day. The values have an impact on every human as we feel bad or good if we see them violated.
Social media participation is now part of our lives, and it induces immediate respoz, often driven by our feelings, not our consciousness. We learned to sleep over a critical email before replying, that is not how media are used. But if you developed emotional intelligence, especially self control, you might ba able to restrain yourself from an immediate response.
I believe we should apply the same diligence which we would use for in-person or live conversations to social media. This means being mindful of how one is feeling, thinking through the likely reaction of the recipient (and others) and making sure we are not responding in the heat of the moment.
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten AssociatesNew Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
Valerie
I agree with my fellow colleagues. A professional should conduct themselves in an appropriate manner according to the general code of ethics which is in line with that of PMI’s.
I will answer your questions from my point of view individually:
1) The PMI code of ethics always applies and one should be mindful and abide by it if they are a member of PMI or holder of any of their certifications. Respect is very important - It’s healthy to disagree and have constructive argument but insults are by no means acceptable.
2) This person at the end of the day represents themselves and their professional conduct but they should be held accountable by PMI because they agreed to abide by this code,
3) We all have to adhere to the code of ethics because that is the bare minimum conduct that we as professionals, colleagues, friends, fathers, mothers should abide by and teach our kids and future generations to do as well. Every code of ethics I’ve read revolves around the same values one way to another.
4) We should have an open mind and be accepting of others opinions. You can’t control everyone’s reaction especially when it’s online but you can at least control yours in the hopes the other party at some point follow the great example.
RK Saving Changes...
Luis BrancoCEO| Business Insight, Consultores de Gestão, LdªCarcavelos, Lisboa, Portugal
Dear Valerie
Very interesting theme that brought to our reflection and debate.
Thanks for sharing
Ethics, in my opinion, is the set of Principles that govern our lives.
It is related to the character of people.
They serve as a guide for people's attitudes and behavior.
What does alignment with the Principles dictate? The conscience of each one of us
There is what is called personality ethics, which is nothing more than people's behaviors and attitudes.
It is the visible part of interpersonal relationships
Which one do you refer to in your question?
Do people's attitudes and behaviors change as a result of changing the means they use to interact and communicate?
Speaking of PMI Code of Ethics
There is a Principle, honesty, which gives "cloth for sleeves" Saving Changes...
Well, it has been a hot topic for several years.
I think that we will understand how to use these platforms and how to balance their pros and cons. Like what we did for our normal life conversations/meetings. Saving Changes...
Sergio Luis ConteHelping to create solutions for everyone| Worldwide based OrganizationsBuenos Aires, Argentina
If people do not want to be exposed to this type of things then they must not participate in "The Matrix". While I am fully aligned with @Kiron´s comments above people have to understand that the base of social media is anarchy. Or, at least, what some people that control the social media try to make us to believe. Everybody can write what they want. And everybody can understand what other wrote depending on her/his own state when reading it, which most of the time is not what the person who wrote tried to said. Saving Changes...
Peter RapinSubject Matter Expect; Project Delivery| Independent ConsultantOntario, Canada
Most of us are "signed-on" to a number of Codes of Ethics as a member or participant in PMI, as a member of a professional association (engineering, law, etc), as an employee, as a church goer, as a member of a specific society. I understand that Facebook has a Code. Each of these Codes apply to the specific activities and behaviors of the members of those organizations and are under the jurisdiction of those organizations. Some of these Codes are guidelines, some are unwritten, some are enforceable - the Codes should tell you the consequences and process for non-compliance. Most of the Codes are compatible and basically call for similar behavior, rarely is there direct conflict.
Your personal Code should incorporate your organizational Codes in order to avoid an internal conflict but do not look at the various organizations to police your personal Code. If you find that your neighbor is treating you unethically and you happen to know he is a member of PMI, don't complain to PMI and expect PMI to provide some satisfaction (unless there is a professional relationship).
There are two parts to Codes of Ethics: 1) the actual stated values mentioned by Valerie, and 2) enforcement. The majority of Codes I've seen fall short on enforcement. Most are voluntary thus only enforceable by the individual, especially the personal Codes. Saving Changes...
Financial Management Specialist | US Peace CorpsYaounde, Centre, Cameroon
Hi Valerie,
This question is multi-faceted and a very interesting one...
Every Code of Ethics should fuel our conduct in every aspect of life both within our professional circles and on SM platforms Saving Changes...
Gretta KelziOperations Manager/Ethics Insights Team| Esri Lebanon/PMIJdeidet Al Maten, Al Maten, Lebanon
Dear Valerie,
Great discussion!!! Here are my thoughts: Values are values and are applicable every where, whether in physical and virtual environment. The code was designed to be practical and to assist us as professionals in taking the best possible decisions.
Saying that, I think we should exercise self control on social media channels... Saving Changes...
Michael HilbertDirector of Project Management| TuWay CommunicationsBethlehem, Pa, United States
Valerie,
"Responsibility, Respect, Fairness and Honesty", attributes I believe we all learned about in grade school. We should try to meet these in both our personal and professional lives. Being a member of an organization that strives to make these attributes an active part of their culture and operational policies should hold us to an even higher standard as we represent that organization in our actions and communications.
"The most exciting phrase to hear in science, the one that heralds new discoveries, is not Eureka! (I found it!) but rather, 'hmm.... that's funny...'"
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