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Code of ethics

Short answer

A code of ethics in project management, like PMI’s, sets principles of responsibility, respect, fairness, and honesty to guide professional conduct. It ensures trustworthy decisions, prevents corruption, and upholds integrity in reporting, conflict of interest, and confidentiality.

Explain the code of ethics in project management.

A code of ethics is a set of principles and standards of conduct that guide the professional behaviour of project managers and team members. It helps them make decisions that are honest, fair and responsible. PMI's Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct applies to all PMI members and certified practitioners (PMP).

Four core values (PMI)

  1. Responsibility: take ownership of decisions and actions, follow laws, protect confidential information, keep commitments, admit mistakes.
  2. Respect: treat others with courtesy and dignity, respect cultural differences, listen, and avoid discrimination and harassment.
  3. Fairness: make decisions impartially and objectively, avoid conflict of interest, give equal opportunity, and avoid favouritism.
  4. Honesty: be truthful in communication and conduct, report accurately, no deception, plagiarism or false claims.

Each value has aspirational standards (the ideal behaviour) and mandatory standards (firm requirements).

Typical expectations

  • No bribery or accepting gifts that influence decisions.
  • Disclose conflicts of interest.
  • Respect intellectual property and licences.
  • Report violations and illegal conduct.
  • Provide accurate project status; do not hide delays.
  • Maintain professional competence.
  • Protect privacy and data.

Importance

  • Builds trust of clients, sponsors and team.
  • Prevents corruption, fraud and legal problems.
  • Protects the reputation of the profession and the organisation.
  • Guides actions in ethical dilemmas.

In IT context

Data confidentiality, software piracy, honesty in estimates, accurate test reports, security and user privacy. Related codes: ACM and IEEE codes for software engineers, and in Nepal the Nepal Engineering Council Code of Conduct for engineers.

Dilemma -> Check laws/code -> Consider stakeholders
    -> Decide ethically -> Document and report

Example: A manager learns that a vendor's gift offer came just before bid evaluation. According to the code, the manager declines, discloses and keeps the evaluation fair.

✓ Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort)

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