On the surface, it's not unethical. What are the underlying reasons? Are they reasons the PM can address, or does this need to be addressed by someone with more authority? This sounds more like a conflict management issue than an ethics problem. That doesn't mean that the client representative hasn't done anything unethical, but simply ejecting a person from a meeting isn't unethical all by itself. Saving Changes...
That behavior is unprofessional and violates PMI’s Code of Ethics, especially respect and fairness. PMI professionals are expected to address such issues calmly, document incidents, and escalate through proper channels. Respectful dialogue and boundary-setting are key to restoring collaboration.
That is a bad behavior from that Client representative. Coming to a meeting with bad attitude should not allowed. Kicking a PM out from a meeting is unethical.
PM has to address first. It I does not get resolved somebody from the clients maybe a stakeholder. Saving Changes...
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten AssociatesNew Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
Rabih, removing a project manager from a Teams meeting, especially in a disrespectful or aggressive manner and without a clear, justified reason, is not ethical. It reflects unprofessional behavior and violates basic workplace norms, regardless of whether it comes from the client or their representative. Saving Changes...
Obviously, my first response is in the minority, so let's dig a little deeper.
- Was the PM kicked out of the meeting due to discrimination, retaliation, obstruction, or concealment? - Does kicking the PM out of the meeting result in a breach of contract or duty?
If the answer is no, you could call into question whether the action was unfair or disrespectful (seems likely) and I would go so far as to say it is most likely unprofessional behavior, based on your limited description. Can you prove malicious intent and that the PM was not likewise guilty of unprofessional or unethical behavior?
More information is required to definitively state an ethical violation has occurred. Unprofessional is not the same as unethical. Saving Changes...
Luis BrancoCEO| Business Insight, Consultores de Gestão, LdªCarcavelos, Lisboa, Portugal
Situations like this are always delicate and require a thoughtful and ethical analysis — from both the client’s and the project manager’s perspectives.
It’s clear that the client representative’s action — removing the project manager from a Teams meeting — is inappropriate and violates the basic principles of respect and professionalism that should govern any working relationship. According to the PMI Code of Ethics, all project professionals are expected to act with respect, responsibility, fairness, and honesty. This action clearly breaks with those values.
However, as experienced professionals, we know that there are rarely only two sides to a story. It’s equally important to ask: - Did the project manager truly behave impeccably? - Did they listen actively? - Communicate clearly? - Show empathy and flexibility in addressing the client’s concerns?
If there were shortcomings on both sides — which is often the case — the most sensible and professional path is to seek a constructive space for dialogue, possibly with mediation, to rebuild trust. Removing a PM unilaterally from a meeting, without explanation or any attempt at resolution, is never the right approach. But it also shouldn’t be seen as a random act of aggression without understanding what triggered it.
As project leaders, we have a responsibility to remain composed and solution-focused, even when we feel disrespected. We also need the humility to reflect on whether our own actions — or inactions — may have influenced the relationship.
In the end, the focus should be on restoring communication, safeguarding the health of the project, and ensuring that PMI’s ethical principles guide all interactions.
Saving Changes...
Sergio Luis ConteHelping to create solutions for everyone| Worldwide based OrganizationsBuenos Aires, Argentina
It does matter? I believe it does not matter. What matters is how you will face the situation to get the desired objectives. This is a work that must starts before the project starts. To put this in PMI terms the business analyst is accountable for that. Saving Changes...
Thomas WalentaGlobal Project Economy ExpertHackenheim, Germany
This behaviour is rude and demonstrates the power distribution in this project.
But it is just the tip of the iceberg, indicating a damaged relationship, ineffective stakeholder engagement and unaligned responsibilities. There is a history to this that will be hard to overcome.
Escalating further by introducing ethical considerations will make things worse.
Options: replace PM, reset the relationship with the help of a mediator, .. Saving Changes...
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