![]() Keep an eye out for anyone who always seems to be doing “the right thing” when they are sure someone else, especially “the boss” is watching. So, Who’s Watching – Remember when we said personal integrity is “doing what is right, even if no one else is watching or listening”? In the same vein, lying for personal gain, while not illegal (unless it is done to cover up a criminal act) is also one of those actions that really tests the limits of one’s integrity. If It’s Legal, It Must Be OK – Some people may feel this way, but even if certain actions may be legal, they may not always meet either ethical standards or the moral code set by one’s personal integrity.Īlthough it is not illegal to break a promise to a friend, to do so is morally wrong, especially when it is done to serve one’s own personal interests. How might you detect a lack of integrity? However, ensuring that one’s own self-interest always comes before all other interests may lead to behaviors that are hurtful, disruptive, or even illegal. Of course, we all recognize that each one of us has to look out for ourselves to a certain extent. Think about the opposite of personal integrity… One term springs to mind, and that’s self-interest. How does one detect a lack of personal integrity in others? On the other hand, someone with little or no personal integrity might not see this as a rule that applies to them and would look for a way around this requirement. If, for example, a company’s code of conduct expressly prohibits employees having conflicts of interest, a person of high personal integrity would never consider taking advantage of a situation where a potential conflict can be ignored for his or her own gain or advantage. This is where the two concepts come together. In order to be an ethical person, one must have a high degree of personal integrity. looking out for others less fortunate than themselves.Other ways of being considered an ethical member of society might involve: Breaking these will certainly result in criminal charges and/or civil actions. These are often codified in local, state, and federal laws that set the standards for behavior. Society has a set of ethical standards that all citizens are expected to follow. Failure to follow these rules may result in disciplinary action and even termination. ![]() ![]() In business, the employer often sets the rules in a Code of Conduct that all employees are expected to follow. Let’s take a look at ethics, compare it to our previous definition of personal integrity to help clarify the differences between them, and also what makes them so closely aligned.Įthics is generally thought of as a set of external rules and regulations produced to govern our behavior and the behavior of the group. And while they are closely related, there are differences.Įthics can be best described as external while personal integrity is more internal. It seems that you hear them spoken about almost in the same breath and at the same time. The concept of ethics and personal integrity are closely intertwined. What About Ethics, Isn’t It the Same as Personal Integrity? Sometimes it is easiest to think of personal integrity as doing what is right, even if no one else is watching or listening. It is important to be trustworthy all the time and for others to know that you are!Īnd remember, outside forces should not be able to influence one’s personal integrity! One cannot be trustworthy only when it is convenient. ![]() People will stop trusting you and may stop taking you at your word regarding other things as well. The qualities of personal integrity must be consistent and cannot be contradictory or irrational.įor example, you can’t continually call for staff meetings and then cancel them. Personal integrity must consistently reflect all of the following qualities:Ĭonsistency is the keyword here. Personal integrity is a system of internal principles and choices that each person makes for him or herself that guide their behavior and their interactions with others.
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