PMP adheres to the PMI Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct. As I mentioned in a previous blog, the PMI Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct was the most useful knowledge for the PMP exam. The details can be downloaded from the PMI Japan Chapter website, so please refer to it there.
In this blog, we will provide an overview of this code, its obligations, specific examples that have been helpful, and points to keep in mind in complying with it.
Overview of the PMI Code of Ethics and Duties
The Code of Conduct is set forth in four chapters: Responsibility, Respect, Fairness, and Integrity. The Code stipulates that as practitioners, we are responsible, respect others, treat others fairly, and act with integrity.
There are two parts to this Code: the Ideal Standards and the Mandatory Standards. For PMPs, the mandatory standards are obligations, and PMI will impose disciplinary action if they are not adhered to.
The PMP textbook explains the stance of this rule as a professional responsibility in one very simple phrase.
A professional must put his or her own personal circumstances and feelings before those of the project and the organization.
This rule should be adhered to in all aspects of life. In other words, not only work, but also child rearing if you are a parent with children, is a project. More broadly, life itself is a project.
Be Aware of Your Professional Obligations
The PMI Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct must be followed by all PMI members, not just PMPs. However, I believe that if you know these regulations and sympathize with them as a professional, you should pass the PMP exam and become a PMP.
There is a French saying, noblesse oblige. The literal translation is “nobility enforces duty. It means that social status, such as nobility, comes with responsibilities; PMPs are not nobles, but they are project management professionals. And this provision is obligatory.
Therefore, becoming a PMP makes you more aware of your professional obligations. This is useful for PMPs to be aware that they must always abide by the regulations.
Specific examples that have been useful in practice
Let me give you an example of how the PMI Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct has helped me in practice.
Before I learned about this Code, I had been stubborn and opposed to obvious solutions when my opinions were rejected in meetings. However, since becoming a PMP and learning about this rule, I have learned to always consider what is best for the project, make decisions, and act accordingly. As a result, projects have proceeded surprisingly smoothly.
In particular, I feel that I have been able to elicit a cooperative attitude from the people involved by addressing the conflicts that arise daily at the project site in a sincere and fair manner as a concerned party.
Some of the people involved in the project do not know basic business etiquette. However, even when coordinating with such people, there have been cases where the attitude of the other party has improved by being aware of the regulations.
Points to Keep in Mind in Compliance
Finally, there are two points to keep in mind when complying with the PMI Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.
One is
Only accept assignments that are commensurate with your background, experience, skills, and qualifications.
This is in line with the PMP requirement in the procurement requirements. I understand this to mean that if a PMP is specified in a procurement requirement, a non-PMP should not accept the assignment.
Systems development is often challenging, varying in scale and complexity. For this reason, I believe that if you only consider whether your experience and skills are sufficient in granting the work, you will be reluctant and unable to undertake the work.
Second.
We will act honestly in both our communication and our actions.
Regarding this, we need to keep in mind our organizational preconceptions and our true intentions. In practice, there are many times when we have to bargain with others. At this time, we need to make decisions as an organization. If we take honest behavior seriously, we will err in our judgment.