4.4 PMI Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct
Key Takeaways
- The PMI Code of Ethics is built on four values: Responsibility, Respect, Fairness, and Honesty
- Each value has both aspirational standards (ideals to strive for) and mandatory standards (firm requirements)
- Violations of mandatory standards can result in loss of PMI certification and membership
- Project managers have a duty to report unethical behavior, even when it is uncomfortable or risky
- Conflicts of interest must be disclosed to stakeholders and avoided when they could compromise judgment
PMI Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct
The PMI Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct applies to all PMI members and credential holders, including CAPM-certified individuals. The CAPM exam tests your ability to apply ethical principles to real-world project scenarios.
The Four Values
1. Responsibility
Definition: The obligation to take ownership for decisions and their consequences.
| Standard Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Aspirational | Make decisions in the best interests of society and stakeholders |
| Mandatory | Report unethical or illegal conduct; do not engage in deceptive practices |
2. Respect
Definition: The duty to show high regard for ourselves, others, and the resources entrusted to us.
| Standard Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Aspirational | Learn about cultural norms; listen to others' perspectives |
| Mandatory | Do not use authority to demean others; negotiate in good faith |
3. Fairness
Definition: The duty to make decisions and act impartially and objectively.
| Standard Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Aspirational | Demonstrate transparency in decision-making; provide equal access to information |
| Mandatory | Disclose conflicts of interest; do not discriminate; do not use favoritism |
4. Honesty
Definition: The duty to understand the truth and act in a truthful manner.
| Standard Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Aspirational | Seek to understand the truth; create environments where others feel safe telling the truth |
| Mandatory | Do not deceive; provide accurate information; do not engage in dishonest behavior |
Aspirational vs. Mandatory Standards
| Aspirational Standards | Mandatory Standards |
|---|---|
| Describe the conduct we strive to uphold as practitioners | Establish firm requirements (may limit behavior) |
| Ideals to aspire to | Requirements that can be enforced |
| Violation is not grounds for disciplinary action | Violation may result in disciplinary proceedings |
| Example: "We strive to understand truth" | Example: "We do not deceive others" |
Common Ethical Scenarios on the CAPM Exam
Conflicts of Interest
- Always disclose potential conflicts of interest to stakeholders
- Refrain from participating in decisions where you have a personal stake
- Examples: Awarding a contract to a family member's company, holding stock in a vendor
Reporting Violations
- You have a duty to report unethical or illegal behavior
- Report to appropriate authorities within the organization
- Do not ignore violations even when reporting may be uncomfortable
Intellectual Property
- Respect intellectual property rights of others
- Properly attribute work and ideas
- Follow organizational policies on proprietary information
Cultural Sensitivity
- Respect cultural differences in project environments
- Adapt communication style to cultural norms
- Avoid assumptions based on stereotypes
Applying Ethics to Exam Questions
When you encounter an ethics question on the CAPM exam, follow this decision framework:
- Identify the ethical issue — What value is at stake?
- Consider all stakeholders — Who is affected?
- Apply the Code of Ethics — What do the four values require?
- Choose the most ethical action — Even if it's the most difficult option
Exam Tip: On the CAPM exam, the correct answer to ethics questions is almost always the most transparent, honest, and responsible option — even when that choice is uncomfortable or politically risky. Never choose to hide information, ignore problems, or compromise integrity.
Which four values form the foundation of the PMI Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct?
A project manager discovers that a team member has a financial interest in a vendor being considered for a project contract. What should the project manager do?
The difference between aspirational and mandatory standards in the PMI Code of Ethics is: