The new PMI Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct

The Project Management Institute (PMI) Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct establishes four foundational values (responsibility, respect, fairness and honesty) to guide project professionals in decision-making, behaviour and stakeholder engagement. The Code defines both mandatory standards (non-negotiable requirements) and aspirational standards (best practices to strive toward), applying to PMI members, certification-holders and volunteers. By embedding these values within professional practice, the Code aims to reduce risks, enhance trust, protect resources and enable sustainable project success.

At Balettie Consulting, we commit to embodying the PMI Code of Ethics by ensuring that all our engagements are carried out with clear accountability for our decisions (responsibility), by treating every individual and resource with dignity and open-mindedness (respect), by making impartial, transparent and equitable decisions (fairness), and by delivering our communications and actions with truthfulness and integrity (honesty). In practice, this means we conduct full disclosures of potential conflicts, maintain confidentiality where required, apply rigorous fact-based decision-making, engage openly with your stakeholders, and hold ourselves to both the mandatory and aspirational standards the PMI Code defines.

The PMI Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct is built on four core values that describe the expectations for practitioners in the global project management community. These values are Responsibility, Respect, Fairness, and Honesty.

For each value, the Code outlines both Aspirational Standards (the conduct we strive to uphold) and Mandatory Standards (firm requirements that must be followed).

1. Responsibility

This value is about taking ownership of the decisions we make or fail to make, the actions we take or fail to take, and the consequences that result.

• Aspirational: Make decisions that are in the best interest of society, public safety, and the environment. Accept assignments only if they are consistent with your background, experience, and qualifications.
• Mandatory: Accept accountability for any issues resulting from your errors or omissions. Do not engage in illegal behavior, including fraud, corruption, or bribery.

2. Respect

This is the duty to show high regard for ourselves, others, and the resources entrusted to us, including people, money, reputation, and the environment.

• Aspirational: Inform yourself about the norms and customs of others to avoid disrespectful behavior. Listen to others' points of view and seek to understand them.
• Mandatory: Approach directly those persons with whom you have a conflict or disagreement. Do not use your professional position or influence to gain unfair personal advantage or to retaliate against others.

3. Fairness

Fairness is the duty to make decisions and act impartially and objectively, ensuring that conduct is free from competing self-interest, prejudice, and favoritism.

• Aspirational: Demonstrate transparency in your decision-making process. Constantly re-examine your impartiality and objectivity, taking corrective action as appropriate.
• Mandatory: Disclose to all affected parties any potential or actual conflicts of interest. Do not discriminate against others based on factors such as gender, race, religion, or national origin.

4. Honesty

This value requires understanding the truth and acting in a truthful manner, both in communications and conduct.

• Aspirational: Strive to be accurate, truthful, and genuine in all forms of communication. Honor all commitments and promises.
• Mandatory: Do not engage in dishonest or deceptive conduct. Provide accurate and truthful information, including in status reports and communications, regardless of how difficult the truth may be to deliver.

The purpose of the PMI Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct is to instill confidence in the project management profession and establish a clear, profession-wide understanding of appropriate behavior.