Guide to Stewardship and Ethics in the PMBOK Guide Seventh Edition
Stewardship within the PMBOK Guide Seventh Edition emphasizes the responsibility of project managers and team members to manage and utilize resources in an ethical and responsible manner. Understanding and adhering to ethical principles is paramount in achieving excellence in project management.
Why it is important: Ethics in project management ensures integrity, respect, and professional behavior, which are crucial for building trust among stakeholders, team members, and the community. It helps in making informed decisions, resolving conflicts, and leading projects toward successful completions.
What it is: Ethics refers to the principles of right and wrong behavior that guide an individual in making decisions in a professional setting. For project managers, this means adhering to the PMI Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, which outlines responsibilities to honesty, respect, fairness, and responsibility.
How it works: Ethics in project management work through the establishment of a code of conduct, ethical decision-making processes, and mechanisms for addressing ethical issues. Project managers should foster an environment where ethical behavior is encouraged, and ethical dilemmas are openly discussed and resolved.
How to answer questions regarding Ethics in an exam: Understand the PMI Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct thoroughly. Be prepared to analyze scenarios, identify ethical dilemmas, and apply ethical principles to determine the best course of action.
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Ethics
- Read ethical questions carefully and identify the key ethical issue at stake.
- Think about the PMI ethical principles: honesty, respect, fairness, and responsibility.
- Consider all options and evaluate them against these principles to select the most ethical course of action.
- Pay attention to words that indicate mandatory actions (must, required) versus those that are advisable (should, may).
- Practice with sample questions to familiarize yourself with the types of ethical dilemmas you might encounter on the exam.
By understanding and practicing ethical principles, project managers can enhance their decision-making process, build stronger teams, and lead successful projects with integrity and professionalism.