Mohamed HassanProject Management Consultant, Author and Speaker| LIFELONGKuwait, Kuwait
What can the project manager do when he or she works in an environment which considers conflict of interest as a cultural norm? On pointing out misconduct, the project manager is told that this is the culture here and and we have to pay bribes to even take our rights otherwise we will be out of business. Saving Changes...
There is nothing good or bad in the world ,it is the individual/collective thinking that defines what is good and what is bad.There is a conflict of interest between those who have a set standards of ethics (not accepting favor) and others to whom paying/taking bribe is a broadly prevalent culture.The Project Manager has to manage project successfully by protecting his business interest.Misconduct /good conduct are the head and tails of the same coin and the Project Manager will have to take a call depending on circumstances.Anything would be fair to remain in business. Saving Changes...
LORI WILSONRETIRED - Technical Project Manager| RETIRED - LifePoint HealthClarkston, Wa, United States
Hello Mohamed: The situation you describe is a very tough position to be in, and I feel for you. It is not a situation I have ever experienced. As a Project Management Professional, I am ethically bound to do the right thing and stand up for the right process - misconduct is not to be tolerated. I work in the US and have never been asked to takes bribes and yet I have been trained to respect cultural differences and practices. As PM's we are responsible for upholding the standards of our profession. I realize in some countries bribes are allowable and perhaps even considered payments. Is there anyone else in your company you can talk with about your specific situation - someone you trust? In examples like this, professional and social responsibility can be very complicated. I wish you well, and hope someone with insight will respond to your question with some helpful advice. Thank you for being brave enough to share your situation. Saving Changes...
Mohamed HassanProject Management Consultant, Author and Speaker| LIFELONGKuwait, Kuwait
Thanks to all the wonderful inputs. As a coach and professional development counselor for project practitioners, I get the same questions quite often. I wanted to start a discussion on this topic so we can all have wide range of opinions from a global perspective. I would love this discussion to be a good reference for those having such dilemmas at their workplace. Saving Changes...
