One outstanding definition of integrity is by the Oxford English Dictionary (OED). According to OED, honesty is the quality of being honest with strict adherence to moral principle. Apart from OED definition, several scholars have made several assertions and quotes on the same subject of integrity. To begin with, Spencer John asserts that “integrity is telling myself the truth. And honesty is telling the truth to other people.” This quote delves deep into the question of with whom does integrity start. It is further opening a fascinating aspect of truth into the subject of integrity. Similarly, on the same subject, Albert Einstein asserts that “Whoever is careless with the truth in small matters cannot be trusted with important matters.” Just like Spencer, Einstein seems to place more emphasis on the element of truth in integrity. Integrity means adhering to ethical code or maintaining the soundness of a structure. In tandem with the quotes from Spencer and Einstein, given a situation where one is operating in a system where there are ethics to be upheld at all times, it is essential to observe the ethical codes that are stipulated for the functioning of a system or an organization.
Personal Ethical Codes
Personal ethical codes refer to the rules that stipulate how individuals interact with each other in a social set up (Colistra, 2010. To have a good rapport with individuals socializing and communicating, it of great significance to adhere to the ethical codes. In a place where the normal relations are compromised, individual’s interactions cease to be healthy. There are many spheres of life where individuals are supposed to observe personal ethics. For instances, in marriage and family, it is healthy to uphold ethical codes for the success of such a relationship.
Business Ethical Codes
In the business realm, ethical codes are pertinent in directing the manner in which business operates. Both the workers and the management are supposed to be guided by the values, missions, and objectives of the company (Huws, 1993). In most cases, leaders and business owners are to help with the task of assisting workers to harmonize and work with the company’ code of ethics. Furthermore, it supposed to be extended to the consumers in the business and how workers relate to the customers in the market.
Religious Ethical Code
Since ethics is an essential aspect of human lives, matters of religion are not left behind when it comes to ethical codes. The maintenance of an excellent relationship with God plays a significant role in defining a good rapport with the Deity. Also, the church as a social agent involves a lot of human connection, and integrity will come in handy to assist in maintaining a healthy relationship with the church members. At a personal level, religious, ethical codes are vital to lives of individual leading a healthy spiritual life.
In conclusion, it is essential to take keen note of the fact that integrity solely is built on the premises of honesty and full adherence to moral principles. It can start with an individual to others who are in continuous process of interaction with fellow human beings. It is imperative to have societies and communities that are guided by integrity and ethical codes for the wellbeing of its existence.
References
Colistra, R. (2010). No Bark and No Bite: When Addressing Ethical Code Violators, is the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) Mute and Toothless? International Journal of Interdisciplinary Social Sciences, 311-329.
Huws, U. (1993). Teleworking in Britain: a Report to the Employment Department. London: London: Department of Employment.
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