DPMA Code of Ethics vs. ICCP Code of Ethics

Attribute	DPMA Code of Ethics	ICCP Code of Ethics
Professionalism	Emphasizes the importance of maintaining high standards of professionalism in all aspects of work.	Requires members to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and ethical behavior in their practice.
Confidentiality	Requires members to maintain confidentiality of client information and not disclose any sensitive information without consent.	Emphasizes the importance of maintaining confidentiality of client information and not disclosing any sensitive information without proper authorization.
Integrity	Requires members to act with integrity and honesty in all professional dealings.	Requires members to demonstrate integrity and honesty in all aspects of their work.
Competence	Requires members to maintain high levels of competence and stay current with industry trends and best practices.	Requires members to continually enhance their skills and knowledge to ensure they provide the highest level of service to clients.

Introduction

When it comes to professional ethics in the field of project management, two prominent organizations have established their own codes of ethics to guide their members. The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Projektmanagement (DPMA) and the International Centre for Complex Project Management (ICCP) both have their own set of ethical guidelines that project managers are expected to adhere to. In this article, we will compare the attributes of the DPMA Code of Ethics and the ICCP Code of Ethics to see how they differ and where they overlap.

Scope and Purpose

The DPMA Code of Ethics outlines the ethical principles and standards that members of the organization are expected to follow in their professional practice. It covers a wide range of topics including integrity, transparency, fairness, and accountability. The purpose of the DPMA Code of Ethics is to promote ethical behavior and uphold the reputation of the project management profession.

On the other hand, the ICCP Code of Ethics also sets out ethical guidelines for project managers, but with a focus on complex project management. It addresses the unique challenges and ethical dilemmas that may arise in complex projects, emphasizing the importance of ethical decision-making in these situations.

Key Principles

Both the DPMA Code of Ethics and the ICCP Code of Ethics are based on a set of key principles that guide ethical behavior in project management. These principles include honesty, respect, fairness, and responsibility. Project managers are expected to act with integrity, treat others with respect, make fair and impartial decisions, and take responsibility for their actions.

• Honesty: Both codes emphasize the importance of honesty in all professional interactions.
• Respect: Project managers are expected to treat others with respect and dignity.
• Fairness: Both codes stress the need for fairness in decision-making processes.
• Responsibility: Project managers are expected to take responsibility for their actions and decisions.

Confidentiality and Privacy

One area where the DPMA Code of Ethics and the ICCP Code of Ethics differ is in their approach to confidentiality and privacy. The DPMA Code of Ethics places a strong emphasis on protecting the confidentiality of sensitive information and respecting the privacy of individuals. Project managers are expected to handle confidential information with care and only disclose it when authorized to do so.

On the other hand, the ICCP Code of Ethics also recognizes the importance of confidentiality and privacy, but with a focus on complex project management. It addresses the unique challenges of managing sensitive information in complex projects and emphasizes the need for project managers to establish clear protocols for handling confidential information.

Professional Development

Both the DPMA Code of Ethics and the ICCP Code of Ethics encourage project managers to engage in ongoing professional development to enhance their skills and knowledge. Project managers are expected to stay current with industry trends, participate in training and development opportunities, and seek out mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals.

The DPMA Code of Ethics emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and professional growth to maintain high ethical standards in project management. It encourages project managers to pursue certifications, attend conferences, and engage in networking opportunities to expand their knowledge and skills.

Similarly, the ICCP Code of Ethics also stresses the importance of professional development in complex project management. It highlights the need for project managers to stay abreast of emerging trends and best practices in the field to effectively manage complex projects and make ethical decisions.

Conclusion

While the DPMA Code of Ethics and the ICCP Code of Ethics share many similarities in their approach to ethical behavior in project management, they also have distinct differences in their scope and focus. Both codes emphasize key principles such as honesty, respect, fairness, and responsibility, but the ICCP Code of Ethics places a greater emphasis on the unique challenges of complex project management. Project managers who are members of either organization are expected to adhere to the ethical guidelines set out in their respective codes of ethics to uphold the integrity of the project management profession.