Patrick is a Project Manager at Ponzi Financial Services firm staffed on a key strategic project and is privy to the firm’s client information. His manager Bernie has asked him to keep the information confidential. What would be considered an inappropriate use of Patrick’s access to information according to the Code?
Explanation
Answer: a - According to the Code, Project Managers should be careful in safeguarding confidential information and should not share confidential client information with anyone outside of the project team.
Discussing portions of client information as it pertains to the project is permissible with other stakeholders if care is taken to safeguard the client’s identity.
Giving a project status to stakeholders who request it is permissible, and since stakeholders are team members, they must also guard confidential information.
Keeping client information confidential when out in public is a key responsibility of a Project Manager - if keeping the information under lock and key is justified, you should. The client may even appreciate the extra steps you took to safeguard their information.
Key Take Away: Experienced Project Managers exercise superior discretion relative to what information they discuss with whom, and where. You never know who might be listening, no matter how benign the situation may seem. Be careful when taking calls in public areas. The best thing to do is to always be a professional.
