Amany NuseibehSpeaker, Global Leader | Optimal ConsultingSydney, Nsw, Australia
Conflict of Interest: As a project management professional, how do you deal with conflict of interest when it is disclosed voluntarily by a colleague? Any real-life situations that you are happy to share? Saving Changes...
Amany:
It's best to deal with it swiftly and professionally. As with any situation and organization; best to follow the administrative and hr policies and processes with appropriate staff internally and/or externally. No real life situation to share. Saving Changes...
Lily MurariuResearch Council Officer Program Advisor| National Research Council CanadaCantley, Quebec, Canada
The potential for conflict of interest (CoI) is almost imminent in our daily lives, and more so in the area of managing projects.
PMI has developed a series of information that helps one in a better understanding of CoI. Check this:
http://www.pmi.org/-/media/pmi/documents/p...naire.pdf?la=en
Also, join me and my colleague Paul Pelletier in Rome this year, at PMI LIM EMEA, where we will present real-life situations as part of the "Self-Interest vs. Conflicts of Interest: Avoiding and Resolving This Dilemma in Your Chapter" (http://www.pmi.org/-/media/pmi/documents/p...2017.pdf?la=en) Saving Changes...
I do not have any real life example, but I personally think that if a colleague is disclosing voluntarily a CoI (maybe) is because he/she is looking for a peer-to-peer review or support.
In this case, help him/ her understanding all the options, and -if no action is taken- then you must follow HR procedures (if available) or talk to your manager to quickly address the topic Saving Changes...
Lily MurariuResearch Council Officer Program Advisor| National Research Council CanadaCantley, Quebec, Canada
Amany:
In Public Sector these situations are usually well covererd by the HR policies of the organization; they are supporting the one facing the situation and also the one supporting the person in case. Management is usually fully equipped with the right tools and information necessary. Happy to discuss off line some real life experiences. Saving Changes...
Amany,
If disclose voluntarily, mean that the person know of the problem and want to address it. The person probably need support has suggested by Fabio, The issue need to be address promptly has suggested by Naomi.
Each situation is different and the solution might be different, reassign, fire, or other option might be possible.
To me the fact that s is disclose doesn't make it acceptable, but may require a different solution that a case discover by others. Saving Changes...
Peter PfeifferPM Specialist| MPP - Management de Projetos e ProcessosRio De Janeiro, Rj, Brazil
Amany,
if a colleague discloses a CoI, I would see it as a sign of trust and at the same time, of need for help.
However, depending on your involvement, you have to be aware of the fact that, once you have knowledge of a CoI, you may become part of the story. And this can lead to a CoI for you which you didn't have before.
But in any case, sharing information and looking for solutions together tends to be more effective. Saving Changes...
Alankar KarpeProject and program management, Speaker and mentor | WiproBangalore, India
Very important question. If a colleague discloses a COI, its surely a sign of trust. I would recommend him/her as per the relevant HR / project policies and preferably ask the person to refrain from a decision making position. Saving Changes...
S RajasekarSenior Project Manager| AllscriptsBangalore, Karnataka, India
It happens but people don't share it, if they share it , they need help/insecure..
It should be resolved as per the company polices
If someone disclose but your not concern party /part of it , the moment you know you are also part of that. Saving Changes...
Sergio Luis ConteHelping to create solutions for everyone| Worldwide based OrganizationsBuenos Aires, Argentina
In my case it is inside the Code of Ethics of the company where I am working today. And the company has all the tools to deal with it. Saving Changes...
@ Amany- great questions! @ All- great responses!
Since your question started as a Project Management Professional….
My first response would be, remember the Code, then review it, then act accordingly for yourself and encourage your colleague to do the same!
Kudos to the colleague who voluntarily disclosed the COI. Their next actions are most important for you and for them. If you are the appropriate stakeholder then disclosing to you is also a good thing. If there are other stakeholders, which there usually are, if they are not disclosing to them, than as several in this post have mentioned, it is now your responsibility to do so, if they chose not to!
Several have mentioned trust has occurred with the disclosure. Does that mean they trust you will say and do nothing, or are you being regarded as a trusted advisor?
Yes, I have seen this, and in both flavors described above. First when the COI was disclosed, it was suggested that you cannot tell anybody. Both situations received the same response. If in fact this COI is real or perceived, that you must disclose it to the appropriate stakeholders. I will do it with you, and or without you if you do not step forward.
http://www.pmi.org/about/ethics/codea See code excerpt below
Conflict of Interest Situations
4.3.1 We proactively and fully disclose any real or potential conflicts of interest to the appropriate stakeholders.
4.3.2 When we realize that we have a real or potential conflict of interest, we refrain from engaging in the decision-making process or otherwise attempting to influence outcomes, unless or until: we have made full disclosure to the affected stakeholders; we have an approved mitigation plan; and we have obtained the consent of the stakeholders to proceed.
Comment: A conflict of interest occurs when we are in a position to influence decisions or other outcomes on behalf of one party when such decisions or outcomes could affect one or more other parties with which we have competing loyalties. For example, when we are acting as an employee, we have a duty of loyalty to our employer. When we are acting as a PMI volunteer, we have a duty of loyalty to the Project Management Institute. We must recognize these divergent interests and refrain from influencing decisions when we have a conflict of interest.
Further, even if we believe that we can set aside our divided loyalties and make decisions impartially, we treat the appearance of a conflict of interest as a conflict of interest and follow the provisions described in the Code.
***** Saving Changes...
