Introduction
The code of conduct enhances fairness, integrity, honesty, and professionality in project management in various organizations. Most organizations have code of conduct policies that are aligned with the Project Management Institute (PMI) code of ethics. The focus on the comparison between PMI code of ethics and Apple Inc. code of conduct, content and specificity of the codes, project management scenarios, application of the codes, and summary of the paper.
Organization of the Codes
In PMI, the code of ethics is organized in five chapters. They include vision and purpose, responsibility, respect, fairness, and honesty (Adams, Tashchian, & Shore, 2001). The codes apply to all practitioners of project management and none members who own a PMI certificate. The Apple Inc.’s code of conduct is organization into various sections that include corruption, extortion, and embezzlement, disclosure of information, no improper advantage, fair business, whistleblower protection, community engagement, and protection of intellectual properties. Apple’s code of conduct applies to the company and the suppliers as well.
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Content of the Codes
For PMI project the content of code of ethics revolves around fairness, honesty, respect, and professionalism. Project managers are expected to comply with the relevant laws and regulations, take actions based on the knowledge, negotiate in good faith, listen to stakeholders, speak truth all times, and enhance cultural competence (Adams, Tashchian, & Shore, 2001). The PMI also demands that managers act fairly when hiring, behave professionally, and not act abusively. The content is Apple Inc.’s code of conduct also revolves around matters of fairness, especially in access to information, whistleblowing, and enhancing a favorable working condition for employees. Just like in PMI, the protection of intellectual property is also mandatory. All the suppliers are also expected to adhere to labor laws and other regulations as stipulated in the code of ethics.
Specificity of the Codes
Both the Apple Inc.’s and PMI code of ethics are very specific on matters of fairness, professionalism, and social responsibility. Apple Inc.’s code of ethics is very specific on fair business practices, where suppliers and the company must engage in fair marketing and competition in the market (Andrade, Hamza, & Xara-Brasil, 2017). In terms of enhancing fairness, the code is specific on providing equal opportunity, which is the same scenario in PMI. Both codes of ethics are also specific on the application and adherence to the business rules and regulations as indicated in the labor laws.
Project Management Scenario
As a project manager, the task in hand is to manage the construction of a five-kilometer road in a period two months. All the design work, funding, hiring consultations with different stakeholders, and scheduling has been done.
Sections of the Two Codes Applicable to the Scenario
In such a project, the codes of respect, fairness, integrity, and professionalism will apply. Adherence to the rules and regulations in the labor laws will also apply. However, when hiring, this has to be done on merit, which might appear discriminatory. Knowledge alone will not suffice as experience and competence will be required (Andrade, Hamza, & Xara-Brasil, 2009). Nevertheless, the project manager will still be working within the codes of conduct in PMI and Apple Inc.
Analysis and Discussion of Acceptable Behaviors in the Scenario Based on the Codes
Fairness, respect, and professionalism are imperative in project management. Professionalism promotes good working relationship with the stakeholders, ensures that decisions are based on evidence-based practice, and the manager completes the project within the stipulated timeframe (Castaldo, Perrini, Misani, & Tencati, 2009). Fairness is vital. It fosters equality and equity in the working environment. Fairness also ensures access to information and ability of the whistleblowers to reveal any business malpractices. Working within the code of ethics also minimizes negotiations in bad faith and self-interests (Castaldo et al., 2009). Eventually, the code of ethics enhances customer satisfaction.
Conclusion
Code of ethics play an imperative role in enhancing fairness, respect, integrity, and professionalism. In project management, code of ethics ensures that project managers refrain from pursuit of self-interests, withholding information, and engaging in corrupt behavior. Code of ethics promotes fairness in the working environment, opening opportunities to all. Therefore, code of ethics benefits all the stakeholders, including the community.
References
Adams, J., Tashchian, A., & Shore, T. (2001). ‘Codes of Ethics as Signals for Ethical Behavior’, Journal of Business Ethics 29, 199-211.
Andrade, J., Hamza, K., & Xara-Brasil, D. (2017). Business Ethics: International Analysis of Codes of Ethics and Conduct. Brazilian Journal of Marketing - BJM . 16. 10.5585/remark. v16i1.3529.
Castaldo, S., Perrini, F., Misani, N., & Tencati, A. (2009). ‘The Missing Link between Corporate Social Responsibility and Consumer Trust: The Case of Fair-Trade Products’, Journal of Business Ethics 84, 1-15.
