Introduction
On analysing the situation, it can be commented that Bob has been a good leader for his team. He worked on motivating the team members and tried to assure that the human resources of the project are least affected during the winter and spring rains. On the other hand, Jim being a new addition to the team has mostly shown a transformational leadership [6]. He did not impose his decision on the team or on Bob and has decided to communicate the matter with Bob for escalating the unethical issue that arose in this situation. While Bob mainly focused on leading and motivating the project team, Jim tried to analyse the situation from ethical perspective. However, since Jim tried to communicate the matter that Bob, it can be said that he has shown a transformational leadership [5].
PM Execution
On analysing the current situation it can be said that the execution of the project is not normal or expected and that the project will be delayed since the rains have mostly put a break on the normal operations of the project. Previously, under the leadership of Jim and Bob, the things went on quite smoothly and according to the project plan [1]. However, the winter and spring rains have disrupted the normal operations of the project as the several carpenters in the construction site could not work for more than three days and were paid for three days. This gave rise to a situation where the carpenters started getting de-motivated. This would have lead to a situation where the carpenters might not return to the site after being sent home and therefore Bob engaged them in his own house to finish the carpentry. The carpenters were paid from the cost of the project for these activities, which is unethical.
As an alternative, the carpenters could be paid for the number of hours they are working for the project. This might de-motivate the workers, which is one significant disadvantage. However, another alternative to the situation could be engaging the carpenters in other works of the project or of the organization [3]. However, since the delivery system of the project is that of competitive Bid, it was necessary to hire the carpenters on a contractual basis considering the winter and spring rains.
PM Risk Analysis
On analysing the current situation, it can be found out that there are a number of risks associated with the project, the most significant ones being the budget risk and the schedule risk. These risks could have been easily identified in the project plan. The winter and spring rains are a regular phenomenon and therefore the disruption of the works of the project during this time was obvious. These risks were needed to be identified in the very beginning of the project so that it could have been mitigated. If the risk was identified earlier, the mitigation of the risk could have been easier since the project is following a competitive bid approach [2]. The carpenters could have been hired on a contractual basis which could have eliminated the risk of paying the carpenters from the project cost or for doing nothing.
Ethics Assessment
The ethical dilemma that is associated with the current situation is that is questions the authenticity of making use of the cost or the budget allocated for the project for paying the project resources while they are working for something other than the actual project work. Since Bob is paying the carpenters for actual doing nothing related to the project, it can be said that the current situation does not abide by the law.
According to the PMI code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, it is the responsibility of the project team to maintain honesty and fairness of the tasks performed. However, in this case, it can be seen that the project superintended although tried to be fair with the team members and the workers of the project [7]. He could not be fair with the project authorities as the carpenters are being paid from the cost of the project.
Ethics Alternatives
The alternative solution that has been proposed in this context is paying the carpenters on basis of works finished and not on daily basis. The benefit of this alternative is that this will save the project cost by preventing the payment of the carpenters for actually doing nothing. However, the disadvantage is that if the carpenters are not paid accordingly, they might become de-motivated and may not even return to the works.
The second alternative of the situation is that the carpenters are to be engaged in the works of the project which can be completed indoors. This will help in mitigating both the schedule and the budget risks.
Ethics Analysis
The PMI decision-Making framework states that an effective decision undergoes a number of essential steps, which are assessment, alternatives, analysis, application and action [9]. After assessing the situation and the alternative choice, the candidate decision that has been taken is to involve the carpenters in some other works of the project.
Ethics Application
Yes, the decision that has been taken will work for the greatest good. It will be fair and beneficial to all the concerned parties because the carpenters will be paid on their daily rate while Bob will not have to send the carpenters to his own house which is unethical [10]. The decision that is taken will therefore be ethically correct and fair to all.
Ethics Action
The decision of making the carpenters work for the related project work is fair to all and therefore it is ethically corrects as well. The decision has been taken following the PMI ethical decision making framework and it therefore ensures a greater good [8]. The different ethical principles are considered while taking the key decisions of the project that makes the decision quite effective against the current situation. The choice is therefore justified as it abides by the ethical principles.
References
[1] H. Kerzner and H.R. Kerzner, Project management: a systems approach to planning, scheduling, and controlling. John Wiley & Sons, 2017.
[2] X. Meng, and P. Boyd, "The role of the project manager in relationship management," International Journal of Project Management 35, no. 5, 2017: 717-728.
[3] F. Harrison and D. Lock, Advanced project management: a structured approach. Routledge, 2017.
[4] D. Haughey, "The role of the project manager." Project Smart UK. Retrieved online 4, 2013.
[5] C.L. Giltinane, "Leadership styles and theories." Nursing Standard 27, no. 41, 2013.
[6] M. Mahdinezhad and B. Suandi, "Transformational, Transactional Leadership Styles and Job Performance of Academic Leaders." International Education Studies 6, no. 11, 2013: 29-34.
[7] R. Yahaya and F. Ebrahim, "Leadership styles and organizational commitment: literature review." Journal of Management Development 35, no. 2, 2016: 190-216.
[8] J. Phillips, PMP, Project Management Professional (Certification Study Guides). McGraw-Hill Osborne Media, 2013.
[9] K. Heldman, PMP: project management professional exam study guide. John Wiley & Sons, 2018.
[10] T. Galvin, M. Gibbs, J. Sullivan, and C. Williams. "Leadership competencies of project managers: An empirical study of emotional, intellectual, and managerial dimensions." Journal of Economic Development, Management, IT, Finance, and Marketing 6, no. 1, 2014: 35.
