Integrity is remaining true to what is right, despite adversity. It is doing the right thing even when no-one is looking over your shoulder.

People with integrity are willing to stand up for their values and speak out against unethical behaviour. They exert the qualities of honesty, loyalty and dependability. Opportunities to demonstrate integrity in the workplace may arise in both subtle and obvious ways. Consider how you might react in the following situations:

As you finish your task, you notice that the photocopier has run out of paper or the communal printer is low on ink. Do you walk away and ignore the issue leaving it for the next unsuspecting user to deal with? Or do you take steps to rectify the situation?

You overhear a supervisor making disparaging comments towards a colleague in relation to their sexual orientation. Are you likely to ignore the situation, putting it down to a misguided sense of humour? Or, do you report the incident to management and recommend that they clarify their company policy on workplace bullying, discrimination and harassment?

You are face-to-face with a customer who wants to purchase an affordable car that has all the basics. If you sell a higher-end car you know you will earn more commission, but you are aware that the customer may not be able to afford it. Do you push the sale that will most benefit yourself and your company, or your customer?

You have an important business meeting tomorrow, but you haven’t finished your presentation. A colleague offers to help you prepare the graphs. Afterwards, your boss commends you on the data. Do you claim full credit for the work or acknowledge your colleague’s contribution?

Examples like these occur daily in the workplace.

Do you feel your response to these situations would demonstrate sound and moral principles?

Return to main article