What is Integrity Essays - Evaluation, Integrity, Virtue

What is Integrity? Integrity may be defined as, ?strict adherence to a moral code reflected in transparent honesty and complete harmony in what one thinks, says, and does? www.businessdictionary.com. Although variations in operational definition and interpretation may exist, integrity is a value that needs to be practiced at every level of the organization, from the CEO down to front-line employees. Daily situations arise that may test an individuals? business integrity, as well as the organizations integrity as a whole. New technology also tests an organization?s ability to act with integrity. An organization?s leadership must display integrity at the highest level. If management expects their associates to act with integrity, they must lead by example. There are some very basic principles surrounding the qualities of business integrity. At its core, integrity begins with an organization leader who understands the qualities of integrity, which then filters down throughout the organization into every department and every member's approach and attitude. Other key components that are indicative of an organization operating with integrity are; trust from clients, acceptance and willingness to change, openness to feedback and constructive criticism, honoring all commitments and obligations, avoiding organizational misrepresentation, involvement in community, accurate and responsible accounting and record keeping, and treating other individuals and organizations with respect (Moment, 2004). When business integrity is present throughout the deepest layers of an organization and not just at its surface, it becomes the heart and soul of the organization's culture and can mean the difference between an organization that succeeds and an organization that falters. While it is most certainly an integral and positive step for a small business to recognize the significance of integrity as a tool for achieving its desired outcomes, that is only the beginning. What must be recognized for true success is that while certain precise universal principles lead to business integrity, it is in the overall mindset of the organization and the unfailing implementation of these key elements, that an enterprise is truly defined. A small business that instills a deep-seated theme of integrity within its strategies and policies will not only be evident among customers, associates and partners, but its overall influence cannot help but to result in a profitable, successful company. In business integrity is everything. How someone views you as a leader, a businessman/woman, a mentor, a merchant, and a person will directly reflect on success. Some dubious people go into business and do really well at first, attributing that to good planning. However, as time goes on that persons business will eventually decay away and fall out from underneath him. The honest, fair, and just will always prevail (Allred, n.d). Integrity is doing the right thing, even if it may limit ones personal spoils. One who acts with integrity will always do what?s right and ethically sound when faced with tough decisions. As the world becomes more globally connected, leaders will be faced with different challenges, and it is in that leaders? best interest to act with a high moral code. When this is done, business will flourish. Others will trust you, confide in you, and depend on you to always act out of integrity. References Allred, D. L.. (n.d.). Integrety in Business and Life! Retrieved January 20, 2009, from: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_L_Allred BusinessDictionary.com. (2007). Integrity. Retrieved January 23, 2009, from: http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/integrity.html Moment, R. (2004). It only takes a moment to score: The entrepreneur's guide to successfully selling business ideas. Bloomington, IN; iUniverse.