Integrity in the Workplace has proved to be a driving force for many organizations. It helps you remain firm on your values and resolutions to make good decisions throughout one’s life. Unfortunately, not many individuals possess this trait, and hence, specific issues still linger in the Workplace. Before we go further, let’s get to know what Integrity means. Lets know Integrity In The Workplace.
Integrity as a Concept
Integrity means being honest, ethical, and having high moral standards. It simply means doing the right thing even when no one is watching. People of Integrity have to uphold their moral principles in all aspects of life. Integrity should also be extended to one’s professional areas and Workplace.
According to Tony Dungy, Integrity can be described as choosing between what is convenient and suitable. It is also a practice of being honest and showing a consistent and uncompromising adherence to strong moral and ethical principles.
Integrity in the Workplace
Integrity in a workplace can come in different forms, but the outstanding character trait is honesty. Workplace integrity can be exhibited by many characteristics, including loyalty, respect, and responsibility, all of which are vital in decision-making and the management process of employees. It is also crucial to reduce avoidable errors and illegal activities and uplift the organization’s values. Unfortunately, it is a much underrated quality as many employees only do what benefits them without caring about their work organization. Therefore, Integrity within the Workplace should also remain the same outside the Workplace.
Traits Attributed to a Person of Integrity
A person of Integrity possesses the following traits:
- They are dependable.
- Such a person is trustworthy.
- They are respectful and honest.
- A person of Integrity encourages open communication.
- Such a person takes responsibility for their actions.
- Such a person is responsible.
Examples of Integrity in the Workplace
Here are some instances of Integrity being exhibited in the Workplace:
Being early to work and meetings
When one can’t meet up with time, calling in to let the manager know the reason and what time you will be able to make it is an excellent example of Integrity. If there are no genuine reasons, one should make a conscious effort to be early.
Being unbiased during conflicts
When there is an issue of conflict, a person of Integrity will resolve it without partiality no matter the parties’ race, religion, or gender.
Accountability
It is essential that one owns up to their shortcomings at the Workplace rather than shifting the blame to another colleague or staying silent about what they did wrong.
Being honest when faced with difficulties
For instance, if an individual is given a task beyond their capacity, it is more respectable to admit one’s inability to carry out such a task rather than taking it up and getting it wrong. Also, one can request more time when faced with challenges during an assignment to get it right and not bring in rushed work.
Confronting gossip
Situations like this occur quite often in the Workplace, especially among the ladies. One should do well to stay away from such conversations. When an individual is caught up in gossip, such a person should be able to caution the culprits and make reports when the need arises.
Stay Professional
Individuals in the Workplace should abide by the rules of the organization. Some of these rules include:
- No romantic relationship among co-workers
- Vulgar languages are prohibited
- No form of physical or verbal abuse is tolerated
- All staff should abide by the dress code etc.
One must abide by these rules to stay professional in their place of work.
Tips for maintaining Integrity in the Workplace
- Leading by example.
- Do not spread negativity.
- Stay truthful always.
- Give credits when due.
- Exercising patience.
- Exhibiting emotional intelligence and control.
Importance of Integrity
- It helps to build and maintain trust. Exhibiting Integrity is a core value in building and maintaining trust amongst your colleagues. Without trust, businesses, investors, and team members will gradually leave, thereby jeopardizing your organization.
- It promotes better leaders. A leader with Integrity is very likely to gain the hearts of those being led. It creates room for better employees as they have a good role model to look up to.
- It helps create a better work environment. In an environment where Integrity is shown consistently among colleagues in the Workplace, people are more willing and happy to work. They feel safer, respected, and valued.
- It encourages diversity and inclusion: organizations that promote integrity, value, and diverse teams. Varieties of perspectives, opinions, and differences promote diversity. It also ensures inclusivity, so no one feels left out because all viewpoints are valued.
- It creates a more substantial reputation for the organization. When an organization and its employees have Integrity, it encourages people to work with them, brings more investors, and promotes the business. More people will want to be associated with such an organization, and its employees will be respected outside the organization.
Workplace Ethics vs. Workplace Integrity
Workplace ethics refer to rules and regulations laid out by an organization that all employees have to abide by.
On the other hand, workplace integrity is the ability of an individual to maintain honesty and moral principles even in compromising situations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Integrity plays a preeminent and vital role in enhancing businesses. It gives the employees better work experiences, builds the organization’s reputation, attracts investors, and produces better leaders. Therefore, it is a trait that should be exhibited in the place of work and all other aspects of one’s life. Employees and employers should strive to have Integrity in everything they do to eliminate toxic work environments and bring illegal activities and crime within the organization to their barest minimum.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What do you do in a situation where lying seems like a better option?
Answer: in situations like this, you have to hold your moral principles dear to your heart and remember that one lie leads to more lies. You will be caught up in a web of lies. Therefore, it is better to tell the truth to avoid further complications and loss your Integrity and respect.
- Do I have an obligation to report issues of integrity violations?
Answer: when there is a case like this in the Workplace, one must take cautionary measures. Cautioning the person in question is one of the ways to do that. If such a person continues in the act, it is advisable to report to appropriate authorities.
