Ethics and values are a tricky thing. We often accept projects without really thinking about whether or not projects, stakeholders, or an end product/service go against our values. Does it even matter? Saving Changes...
it definitely matters. When the values / deliverables of project are againts yours, you can not be happy during the implementation. I will not accept such a project.
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1 reply by Sante Delle-Vergini, PhD
Jan 17, 2018 5:32 PM
Sante Delle-Vergini, PhD
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Abolfazi, did you come across this situation a lot?
Saving Changes...
Anish AbrahamPrivacy Program Manager| University of WashingtonAuburn, Wa, United States
I agree with Kiron on this.
My values are the things that I believe are important in the way I live and work. Like Kiron mentioned, I would do a thorough research to make sure there is an alignment between my personal and organizational values.
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1 reply by Sante Delle-Vergini, PhD
Jan 17, 2018 5:33 PM
Sante Delle-Vergini, PhD
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Hi Anish, that's a good way to handle, if of course you know what it is that is against your values. Some projects I have managed I did not even know the end result was against my values as it was hidden.
Saving Changes...
Johnson KoorothRisk Analyst| Jacobs, CanadaOshawa, Ontario, Canada
A tricky situation. One may be compelled to do it for the sake of the organization and relationships. I think you need to think of values keeping your ego aside. Your personal traits may affect the values you hold. But if it is against ethical values I would walk away from it. After all projects are meant to provide better values to humanity.
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1 reply by Sante Delle-Vergini, PhD
Jan 17, 2018 5:34 PM
Sante Delle-Vergini, PhD
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Thanks Johnson for your views, most have indicated that they would walk away.
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten AssociatesNew Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
Jan 17, 2018 2:49 AM
Replying to MARK A ANNUNZIATA, Sr
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Mr. SV-
We are hired to produce a Deliverable. Unless our Professional Ethics are compromised in some unanticipated way, it is our mandate as Professional Project Managers to deliver the Project as "on time" and "on budget" as humanly possible.
On a personal level, I was the Director of a base expansion in Afghanistan for the Afghan National Army. I pushed this Project as hard as possible towards completion due to the poor living conditions of my staff, the dangerous location, and the constant threats to my Ethics-corruption within the Afghan military is rampant.
This was the only Project during my career where I had no confidence that the facility would be maintained for any duration of time beyond handover. However, I performed my job to the best of my ability......
From the trenches!
M
Mark, you nailed that. Great feedback and I totally agree.
If it matters to you on a personal level, that should not affect your project or job as you should not take it personal unless it breaches the code of ethics. If you can't do it because it is totally against your values then all you can do is walkaway and it happens in many cases. Saving Changes...
Interesting question. Being a FTE, and vetting the organizations prior to showing interest, I don't find myself in these predicaments. I suppose it depends. I assume this would come up though more often as a contractor?
It may not just be the project outcome, but people on the project, or even the company that initiates the project. Through in contracting work, yes Andrew this can pop up a lot. Saving Changes...
I've walked away from jobs and gigs which I felt were compromising my values. Having said that, I recognize that I've been fortunate to be able to land on my feet which is not always possible for folks in similar predicaments who might not be able to weather some lean times while looking for better gigs.
To echo Andrew & quote Mr. Miyagi again, I would say "Best way to avoid punch, no be there". If you thoroughly research an organization before joining it, you should be able to confirm whether there is alignment between your values and the company's values. That way, you don't find yourself in this situation...
Or as another wise man said "When you get what you want in your struggle for self, And the world makes you king for a day, Then go to the mirror and look at yourself, And see what that man has to say."
Kiron
Kiron
It's good to be able to walk away if that is possible. In some cases, we don't even know the end product/service would be against our values, this happened to me a couple of times. Saving Changes...
This question evokes a serious conflict between money and heart. I always believe that money earned through non-ethical ways does not last and hence I will go with a project which is not against my set of values. One can always get other company, other projects but not the other set of values.
Thanks Alankar, the dilemma of money and responsibility. Saving Changes...
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