Module Two: Integrity PDF

**MODULE TWO: INTEGRITY** **Introduction to Integrity** This chapter will introduce students to the topic on integrity. The themes will include discussions on the definition of integrity, traits associated with integrity, integrity at the workplace and building a culture of integrity **Learning O...

**MODULE TWO: INTEGRITY** **Introduction to Integrity** This chapter will introduce students to the topic on integrity. The themes will include discussions on the definition of integrity, traits associated with integrity, integrity at the workplace and building a culture of integrity **Learning Outcomes** Upon completion of this chapter, learners should be able to; a. Demonstrate an understanding of integrity b. Understand the need to be of high integrity c. Understand benefits of a culture of integrity **Definition of integrity ** Integrity is defined as the quality of having strong moral principles and uncompromisingly adhering to them. Integrity can be defined as the practice of doing the right thing all the time. It is doing what is morally right. The intriguing question would be: What does it mean to have integrity? Integrity refers to the adherence to a specific **code of ethical and moral principles** to be truthful and honest enough to do what is right. Individuals with integrity are incorruptible and always uncompromising in the moral and ethical values that they believe in. People with integrity always keep their word, abstaining from lies and excuses, no matter the situation. Such people are often considered for leadership and other important positions in society. People with integrity behave ethically and do the right thing, even behind closed doors. For instance, informing a cashier that they gave you too much change or going back to the store to pay for something you forgot to pay for are two examples of showing integrity in everyday circumstances. Can you think of other instances where with integrity behave ethically? **Traits associated with integrity ** Integrity involves abiding by a particular set of moral and ethical principles, which can be classified as characteristics of integrity. The characteristics of integrity include respect, honesty, grace, responsibility, patience, hard work, and **accountability**. Integrity may seem like a vague concept. One of the best ways to understand this concept is to look at the traits associated with integrity. Here are the 7 most common traits that a person with integrity shows:  **1. Expresses gratitude for others** People with integrity recognize that their friends, coworkers, and community make their lives better. They show gratitude by always remembering to say a simple "thank you" when someone helps them out. They might also take the time to write a thoughtful note to a coworker who helped them complete an important project. **2. Communicates honestly and openly ** A person with integrity doesn't run away from difficult conversations or situations. If they have a conflict with another person, they're open about it --- they don't hide their feelings only to become resentful later on. They are also honest about their time, abilities, and preferences. No matter the situation, integrity ultimately means your moral principles are more important than your personal comfort --- and honesty can be uncomfortable sometimes. 3. **Takes responsibility for your actions, good and bad** - If you have integrity, it means you are accountable for your actions --- even when you miss the mark. It's easy to take ownership when you do something well. However, integrity really comes into play when you face failure. If you want to live with integrity and grow personally, you must learn to admit when you make a mistake and then choose to learn from it.  4. **Respects yourself and those around you, no matter where you are** Respecting yourself means - Ability to maintaining boundaries in your relationships, whether with family or coworkers, can help you live in integrity, which is about being at peace with who you are and what you stand for. For instance, you should establish a boundary and call your friend after work if they want to talk to you while you\'re working on a project - Respecting others\' limits is another aspect of integrity. If a coworker is reluctant to discuss their relationship history, then you don\'t ask them certain questions because you are an honest person. Respecting their time, beliefs, and identity also entails using the appropriate gender pronouns. 5. **Helps those in need without sacrificing your own health ** This trait goes hand in hand with respecting yourself and others. People with integrity naturally want to help others --- but what separates them from most people is their ability to know their own limits. A person with integrity will help others with their time, abilities, and even finances. But they'll always also prioritize selfcare, fueling themselves so that they can stay resilient for years to come.  6. **Demonstrates reliability and trustworthiness ** 7. **Shows patience and flexibility, even when unexpected obstacles show up** People with integrity overcome life's obstacles with resilience. For example, let's say they lost their job They may feel hopeless or frustrated at first. However, a person with integrity would eventually see that this challenge is just another opportunity for growth. With a bit of patience and flexible expectations, they can take positive action **Integrity at the workplace** Now that you have a clear idea of what integrity is in general, let's go a little deeper by answering the question, "what is integrity at work?" Integrity at work supports a company and a leader\'s set of moral and ethical standards. This will result in both motivated employers and employees. **What is integrity in the workplace? ** Workplace integrity can be exemplified by many traits, including honesty, loyalty, respect, and responsibility, and it is vital to decision-making, serving customers, and managing employees. It's also crucial to reducing costly errors, avoiding illegal activity, and keeping the organization's core values top of mind. For instance, being honest about forgetting to do an important task is an example of showing integrity at work. Integrity at work is also about committing with integrity. For example, if a team leader shares a new project, employees with integrity need to be honest about their time and abilities before agreeing to take on more work. They also need to make sure they have an understanding of what's needed and the scope of the project.  If there's a lack of integrity on the team, members will halfheartedly accept new assignments, even if they are not able to accomplish them on time. They might also walk out of the meeting still wondering what their role in the project actually is. At its core, integrity at work is about taking the initiative, negotiating your time honestly, and staying aligned with your personal and work values. That also means delivering on your commitments when you make them, and saying no when you can't take on anything new. Finally, it's about knowing how to communicate so if you do get out of integrity, you can admit your mistakes honestly and share how you will fix the situation. **Examples of integrity in the workplace** **Here are three real-life examples of integrity at work:** 1. A supervisor addressing team members conflict head-on by being honest with their superiors. 2. A loan officer owning up to their mistakes when a processing step is missed. 3. A digital marketer doing the right thing by stepping into a leadership role during their manager\'s absence. **Example 1: being honest when faced with a difficult challenge ** Tadala, a Team leader at Blantyre Domestic Taxes, has been struggling to help two of her officers get along. The two colleagues often argue in front of their coworkers call each other names, and sometimes even get the rest of the section involved.  Because of this conflict, the two can't concentrate on assignments and are struggling to turn in work on time. Sometimes the conflict also prevents the rest of the team from staying focused on their work.  After trying to solve the problem on her own, Tadala reaches out to the Station Manager. The Station Manager values her honesty. After discussing the problem with the two officers, they ask a counselor to mediate the situation. Afterward, they give the officers the chance to rejoin the team with the expectation to show improved behavior. Thanks to Tadala's honesty about facing a difficult challenge: - The two officers were able to resolve the conflict - Tadala's team regained focus and began turning in assignments on time. - Tadala earned more trust from her Station Manager. **Example 2: owning up to mistakes** Jimmy, a loan officer, has just accepted a new position as a loan officer at MRA. During his first month of employment, he mentors under another loan officer and takes notes to understand his responsibilities. During the second month of employment, he meets with his manager and his mentor about managing a new loan application.  Under the impression that they would be working on this loan as a team, Jimmy collects the customer's loan application, stores it in the online directory for his manager and mentor to finish, and then moves on to other tasks. Two weeks later, he comes across the same loan application and realizes no one ever sent the application to the underwriter for approval. It turns out it wasn't meant to be a team effort --- Jimmy was responsible for the loan application all along. Embarrassed by his mistake, Jimmy turns to his manager to explain the situation. Although his manager isn't happy that the loan application was never processed, he appreciates Jimmy\'s transparency.  Thanks to Jimmy owning up to his mistake: - The manager was able to help Jimmy speed up the loan process.  - Jared understood that he was officially responsible for his customers' loan applications on his own. - Jimmy's manager valued his transparency and taking responsibility for his mistake.  **Example 3: doing the right thing, even when nobody\'s watching ** Mary, a digital marketer, is in the middle of a huge project with her team. They're in charge of planning 90 days' worth of digital content for a new client by Thursday morning.  On Monday and Tuesday, Mary and the other team members work hard on the project. However, by Wednesday, morale is low, and her teammates start to move slower and slower.  When the marketing manager announces she'll be leaving for the rest of the day to attend a funeral, the team breathes a sigh of relief. Then, they stop working on the project altogether.  While her teammates waste time, Mary continues with her work, even though her manager is gone.  Not wanting to disturb her manager during a funeral, Mary politely tries to encourage her team to get back to work. While most of the team members don't listen, a few of them decide to pitch in to help her finish the project.  By the end of Wednesday, Mary and a few teammates finished the project without help from the rest of the team. On Thursday, Mary met with her manager to explain what happened and turn in the final project.  Thanks to Mary doing the right thing: - The project was turned in on time.  - Her manager set up accountability checkpoints for the team. - Her manager promoted her to team supervisor. **Building a Culture of integrity** But why does integrity at work really matter? Workplace integrity should be a core value for any organization that wants to succeed, grow, and maintain ethical practices. When employees have integrity, work runs smoothly. **The importance of integrity at work** Organizations with integrity can also keep high-value customers, reduce employee turnover, improve productivity, and make smart decisions. Plus, integrity leads employees to be honest about what they accomplish and proactive when they have questions. That means fewer missed deadlines and less employee burnout. why-it's-important-to-have-integrity-at-work-graphic Here are six more benefits that come from a culture of integrity at work: **5 ways to foster integrity at work** Clearly, a culture of integrity can help an organization reach its goals while creating a better workplace for its employees. If you want to help foster more integrity among your employees and within yourself. Here are five ways to get started: **1. Respect others' opinions** One of the best ways to demonstrate integrity at work is by honoring your colleagues' and employees' opinions and ideas, even if you disagree.  For instance, instead of turning down an idea, try to see things from their perspective first. Why do you think they chose that idea? Could you be wrong with your opinion?  If you're unclear about what they mean, kindly ask for clarification or ask specific questions to understand. For example, you could say, "Can you please explain how we could implement your idea step-by-step or, you can use the tried-and-true 'treat others how you want to be treated' philosophy when responding. **2. Address conflict honestly and respectfully ** Workplace conflict can quickly turn into a sticky situation and may even lead to termination if not handled well. The best way to address conflict is to respond calmly, honestly, and respectfully.  First, make sure you understand what the conflict is really about. Is a customer unhappy with a transaction? Do you disagree with your manager's decision? Why?  Once you're clear on the root of the conflict, validate feelings, apologize if needed, and try to reach a solution. If you can't find a solution, ask for support from a manager or HR if needed. **3. Be a role model ** Modeling integrity is a powerful way to be a change-maker at your organization. This means taking responsibility for your decisions and actions, especially when you make a mistake. Being honest and respectful, keeping your promises, and staying engaged with your work are crucial.  As a role model, you'll not only encourage other team members to follow suit, but you'll also promote positive company culture.  **4. Be ready to work** Coming to work prepared and ready to tackle your responsibilities is essential to integrity at work.  When you get to work, grab a notepad and plan your schedule for the day. What do you need to accomplish by the end of the day? Who do you need to speak with?  Once you're set on your goals for the day, make sure you have all the tools you need to complete your work. Then, start taking action and check off the items on your to-do list, one by one.  **5. Report unethical behavior ** It may seem uncomfortable to report your colleagues, employees or managers for unethical behavior. However, it's a vital part of holding your company accountable to the moral standards they've set in place. When reporting unethical behavior, be as specific as possible. Explain who offended company policies, how they offended them, and where and when you saw the action take place. **Prioritizing integrity in the workplace** Having integrity in the workplace is essential to building trust with your colleagues and employees. It\'s also integral for making ethical decisions and addressing challenges calmly and purposefully. **Personal Vs. Organizational integrity** **Personal Integrity**: -- is our competence to act in accordance with our values and norms. our integrity is an important part of our identity. **Organizational integrity:** -- consistent alignment of, and adherence to, its ethical values, and norms to uphold its interests. Quality of decisions and behavior **Living values** - *Ethical professionals demonstrate personal integrity and the courage of their convictions by doing what they think is right even when there is great pressure to do otherwise; they are principled, honorable and upright; they will fight for their right beliefs. They will not sacrifice principle for expediency, be hypocritical, or unscrupulous.* **Summary** Building a strong basis for a fruitful working relationship between employees and their employers requires integrity. An organisation with integrity fosters a culture in which each employee values and trusts the others. Workplace integrity can raise employee enthusiasm and productivity. Individual personnel at all levels should act with honesty. While managers and leaders can set policies, it is critical that you, as a team member, demonstrate workplace ethics, regardless of your status. Workplace integrity is critical to organisational performance and employee pleasure. It has a significant impact on organisational culture by generating a good, trusting, and fair atmosphere. When you feel aligned with your workplace\'s ethical ideals, you are more likely to be content with your job and driven to contribute to the company\'s success.