Integrity - Competency
Definition: Integrity is a core value that embodies principles such as trustworthiness, honesty, transparency, and accountability. It includes admitting to mistakes, leading by example, demonstrating fairness, and working in an ethical manner.
A person with integrity upholds these principles consistently, even in small matters. They also exhibit professionalism in challenging interpersonal interactions, showing respect and support for others while maintaining confidentiality.
360-Feedback Questionnaires Measuring Integrity:
Survey 1 (4-point scale; Competency Comments)
Survey 2 (4-point scale; Competency Comments)
Survey 3 (5-point scale; Competency Comments)
Survey 4 (5-point scale; radio buttons)
Survey 5 (4-point scale; words)
Survey 6 (4-point scale; words)
Survey 7 (5-point scale; competency comments; N/A)
Survey 8 (3-point scale; Agree/Disagree words; N/A)
Survey 9 (3-point scale; Strength/Development; N/A)
Survey 10 (Comment boxes only)
Survey 11 (Single rating per competency)
Survey 12 (Slide-bar scale)
Survey 13 (4-point scale; numbers; floating anchors)
Survey 14 (4-point scale; N/A)
Self-Comments: Do you have to complete a self-assessment or performance appraisal? If so, the
self-comments here may help.
What is Integrity?
Integrity is the steadfast adherence to ethical and moral principles, encompassing trustworthiness, honesty, transparency, and accountability. It involves consistently doing the right thing, even when it's challenging or when no one is watching. A person with integrity acts fairly and ethically in all matters, demonstrating respect, responsibility, and a commitment to maintaining confidentiality and professionalism. In essence, integrity is the foundation of trust and credibility in both personal and professional relationships. Why is Integrity important in the workplace?
Integrity is an important competency for several reasons:
- Building Trust: Trust among colleagues, clients, and partners, creates a strong foundation for professional relationships to grow.
- Honesty: Integrity involves being truthful in all professional interactions, which helps build credibility and trust.
- Transparent: Open communication and sharing information promote a transparent work environment, enhancing mutual respect and cooperation.
- Accountability: Integrity helps create a culture of accountability and transparency, leading to better performance and continuous improvement.
- Keeping Commitments: Upholding promises and fulfilling responsibilities demonstrates reliability and strengthens professional relationships.
- Being Principled in Small Matters: Consistently upholding ethical standards, even in minor issues, reinforces the your commitment to integrity.
- Professionalism and Respect: Valuing, respecting, and treating others with kindness emphasizes your core principles of equality, fairness and justice.
What are key aspects of Integrity?
- Trustworthiness and Honesty
- Being accountable and admitting mistakes
- Transparency and Fairness
- Keeping Commitments
- Accepting Responsibility and Leading by Example
- Maintaining confidentiality and being ethical
- Being consistent in core principles
- Is principled even in small matters
- Be professional and respect others
How can I improve my Integrity?
- Lead by Example: Demonstrate integrity in your actions and decisions. Show honesty, fairness, and ethical behavior in all situations, setting a positive example for your team.
- Transparency in Communication: Be open and honest in your communication. Share information clearly and truthfully, and encourage open dialogue within your team.
- Admit Mistakes: Acknowledge and take responsibility for your mistakes. Apologize when necessary and focus on finding solutions and learning from the experience.
- Uphold your Commitments: Keep your promises and fulfill your responsibilities consistently. This builds trust and reliability among your team members.
- Always Be Fair: Ensure that your actions and decisions are fair and unbiased. Treat all team members equally and provide equal opportunities for growth and development.
- Respect Confidentiality: Protect sensitive information and maintain privacy. This demonstrates respect for your team members and reinforces their trust in you.
- Encourage Ethical Behavior: Foster a culture of integrity by promoting ethical behavior and holding your team accountable to high standards.
- Exhibit Professionalism: Maintain a strong unwavering support for professional standards and behavior.
What questions could be included on a 360-degree survey that measure integrity?
When creating a questionnaire to measure integrity, ensure it includes items that assess trustworthiness, honesty, transparency, and accountability. Additionally, include items that evaluate the willingness to admit mistakes, keep commitments, lead by example, and uphold fairness and ethics. It is crucial to measure the consistency of these core principles and to evaluate principled behavior in both significant and minor matters. Questionnaire Items to Include
Integrity as a Core ValueIntegrity as a Core Value focuses on the foundation and culture of integrity within an organization or individual. It involves embedding integrity into core principles, fostering a culture of professionalism, mutual respect, and ethical behavior, and demonstrating consistency in actions that align with corporate and personal values. This dimension highlights the overarching commitment to making integrity central to an organization's identity and leadership approach.
- Builds respect and trust by setting high standards of integrity.
- Maintains integrity as a core principle.
- Embodies the principles of integrity, dedication, and excellence, by continually striving to make a positive impact and drive the success of the team and organization.
- Genuinely supports the company's mission and values to become a reliable and trustworthy team member.
- Fosters a culture of trust and ethical behavior throughout the organization.
- Fosters a culture of professionalism and mutual respect.
- Creates an environment where integrity is a central value of leadership.
- Views integrity as a foundational value for managers to build strong interpersonal relationships.
- Recognizes integrity as a core value of the organization.
- Creates a culture where employees feel the need to maintain high standards of integrity.
- Demonstrates a commitment to corporate and personal values.
- Promotes a corporate culture of high-integrity.
- Demonstrates consistency in actions and values based on core principles and beliefs.
TrustworthyTrustworthy focuses on consistency, reliability, and confidence-building. It involves earning and maintaining the trust of others through dependable actions, fostering strong relationships, and creating an environment where trust drives long-term success. This dimension emphasizes being someone others can rely on in all circumstances, underpinned by a foundation of mutual respect and transparency.
- Creates a foundation of trust and respect that drives long-term success and positive relationships.
- Develops trust and confidence from others.
- Acts with integrity to gain the trust and confidence of others.
- Earns the trust of employees, clients, and stakeholders by consistently demonstrating a high degree of integrity.
- Works towards developing an environment built upon trust
- Builds and maintains trust and good working relationships.
- Fosters an environment built upon trust.
- Maintains strong trust-based relationships by being open, honest and transparent.
- Can be trusted by others all the time and in every circumstance.
HonestyHonesty centers on truthfulness and openness. It highlights being upfront, sincere, and transparent in all dealings, regardless of the situation. This dimension emphasizes the act of consistently providing accurate and truthful information, promoting a culture where integrity and ethical behavior are encouraged.
- Always truthful, sincere, and able to justify their actions.
- Promotes a culture of honesty and integrity, encouraging individuals to report questionable activities without fear of reprisal.
- Is always truthful and open in interactions with others.
- Builds a foundation of trust by consistently being honest even in minor situations.
- Demonstrates unwavering honesty and transparency, serving as a role model for their team.
- Demonstrates honesty and truthfulness at all times.
- Provides accurate and honest reporting that allows the company to provide a true representation of financial health, operational performance, and strategic goals.
- Always conducts themselves in an honest and upfront manner
- Consistently open and honest with others.
- Provides honest and truthful information to others.
- Conducts all dealings in an honest and upfront manner.
- Is upfront, truthful, and sincere in all dealings with others.
TransparencyTransparency focuses on open and honest communication. It involves sharing pertinent information--both good and bad--being truthful about capabilities, decisions, and actions, and avoiding withholding or misrepresenting data. This dimension builds trust by promoting clarity and openness in interactions, ensuring that all stakeholders have access to the information needed to create a respectful and supportive environment.
- Is open and honest in disclosing both good news and the bad.
- Engages in open and honest communication, provides constructive feedback, and listens to others' perspectives to demonstrate respect and support.
- Is transparent in interactions with others.
- Shares all pertinent information, not just information from one side or perspective.
- Builds trust within the team and the organization through honest and transparent communication.
- Does not withhold important information needed by others.
- Is transparent, open and honest about their actions and decisions.
- Is transparent about capabilities and timelines when making promises.
- Is open and honest in communications.
- Shares information in an open and honest manner.
- Avoids speaking about others in their absence, demonstrating transparency and respect in communication.
- Ensures that all stakeholders have access to the information needed.
AccountabilityAccountability emphasizes ownership and responsibility for actions and outcomes. It involves acknowledging mistakes, holding oneself and others accountable for aligning actions with ethical standards and organizational values, and ensuring that responsibilities are fulfilled with integrity. This dimension promotes trust and dependability through consistent follow-through and a commitment to ethical behavior.
- Takes ownership for the process and outcomes.
- Is accountable for actions and outcomes whether positive or negative.
- Takes ownership and responsibility for the results obtained.
- Accepts accountability for ensuring the department employees act with complete integrity.
- Ensures that employees carry out their responsibilities with honesty and ethical principles.
- Prioritizes accountability to ensure that actions align with the company's values and ethical principles.
- Fosters a culture of responsibility and accountability within the organization to ensure that all actions align with the company's values and legal obligations.
- Acknowledges mistakes when made.
- Demonstrates accountability and honesty in business interactions.
- Accepts responsibility for mistakes.
- Consistently holds others accountable for their actions to build and maintain a level of trust and integrity.
Admits to MistakesAdmits to Mistakes emphasizes accountability and transparency in specific situations. It focuses on the ability to own up to errors proactively, take responsibility for shortcomings, and address them openly and ethically. This dimension underscores honesty and openness in handling mistakes, building trust by demonstrating a willingness to learn, improve, and maintain high ethical standards even in challenging circumstances.
- Proactively acknowledges mistakes and takes responsibility, demonstrating a commitment to transparency and ethical conduct.
- Accepts accountability for mistakes proactively, highlighting dedication to transparency and ethical practices.
- Openly admits to errors and takes responsibility, showcasing dedication to integrity, transparency and ethical behavior.
- Takes responsibility for errors promptly, emphasizing a commitment to integrity, openness and ethical standards.
- Accepts responsibility for production line downtime.
- Willing to issue product recalls if necessary.
- Takes responsibility for their actions and admits mistakes.
- Fosters trust within the company and with external partners by owning up to mistakes.
- Owns up to errors proactively, taking responsibility for shortcomings, and addressing them openly and ethically.
- Owns up to mistakes without needing to be asked.
- Admits when they are wrong without being prompted to do so.
- Willing to make a public apology if a data breach occurs.
- Builds trust within the organization and with external stakeholders by owning up to mistakes.
- Is willing to address any shortcomings.
Keeps CommitmentsKeeps Commitments emphasizes reliability and responsibility in fulfilling promises, obligations, and tasks. It centers on ensuring continuity between words and actions, delivering results as pledged, and building trust through consistent follow-through. This dimension reflects dedication to meeting expectations and maintaining the highest standards of dependability in interactions and agreements.
- Delivers on promises and meets obligations.
- Delivers on all promises.
- Follows through on your commitments, which builds trust and confidence.
- Takes responsibility for commitments ensuring that they are met.
- Does what was promised.
- Committed to delivering on all promises made.
- Consistently delivers on promises reinforcing a pattern of trustworthy behavior.
- Ensures all commitments and promises are fulfilled, showcasing reliability and unwavering dedication to ethical principles.
- Honors all debts and fulfills contractual obligations.
- Delivers on all promises made.
- Exhibits continuity between words and actions.
- Follows tasks to completion.
- Ensures that all work is done to the highest standard, leading to better quality products and services.
Leads by ExampleLeads by Example focuses on setting a standard through visible actions and influence. This dimension highlights demonstrating unwavering commitment to ethical principles and excellence, inspiring others by modeling integrity, and fostering a culture of achievement and ethical behavior. It centers on being a role model for large-scale leadership and shaping the organization's values through personal example.
- Follows ethical standards and principles, regardless of the situation.
- Is a senior leader with a high degree of integrity to set a good example of a top-down approach to maintaining ethical behavior throughout the organization.
- Is deeply committed to making decisions that benefit the department and organization overall.
- Demonstrates unwavering integrity, dedication, and excellence, continually working to enhance the team's success and contribute positively to the organization.
- Reinforces integrity through personal example.
- Is highly productive by efficiently managing time and resources to contribute significantly to the team's goals.
- Exemplifies commitment to integrity, dedication, and excellence, consistently aiming to positively influence the department.
- Leads by example and inspires others to uphold high ethical standards in business.
- Inspires others to perform at their best by fostering a culture of integrity and achievement within the organization.
- Leads by example, demonstrating a strong work ethic and commitment to excellence.
FairnessFairness focuses on the equitable treatment of individuals and consistent application of policies. It emphasizes actions such as allocating responsibilities based on skills, ensuring inclusivity and equal access to opportunities, and using objective criteria for evaluations and compensation. This dimension is centered on impartiality, advocating for colleagues, and creating a balanced and just environment where everyone is treated with respect.
- Treats everyone with fairness and respect, regardless of their position or status within the organization.
- Allocates responsibilities based on the employees skills and experience.
- Encourages and practices inclusivity in meetings and discussions, ensuring all voices are heard and valued.
- Applies policies and procedural rules equally to all employees avoiding favoritism.
- Ensures employee compensation is administered fairly based on pre-established rules and regulations.
- Conducts performance evaluations based on standard and objective measures to maintain the integrity of the evaluation system.
- Ensures employees have the same (equal) access to promotions, overtime, bonuses, time off, and other benefits.
- Ensures performance evaluations are conducted using standardized and objective criteria, preserving the integrity of the evaluation system.
- Exemplifies integrity by advocating for colleagues and standing up for what is right, even when it is difficult.
- Implements checks and balances to help ensure integrity of operations.
- Distributes the workload evenly among all team members.
ConfidentialityConfidentiality focuses on protecting sensitive information and respecting privacy. It involves maintaining the security and integrity of data, implementing measures like encryption and access controls, and ensuring that confidential details are handled responsibly. This dimension highlights safeguarding trust through ethical handling of information and promoting discretion within personal or organizational contexts.
- Implements strict access controls to ensure that only authorized individuals are able to access specific data records.
- Conducts regular audits of data protection practices.
- Keeps confidential information secure and respects the privacy of team members.
- Maintains the integrity and confidentiality of customer data/information/records.
- Able to maintain confidential information.
- Protects the integrity and confidentiality of information.
- Protects the integrity and confidentiality of subject data by anonymizing personal information.
- Maintains integrity of data through appropriate use of encryption.
- Maintains the confidentiality of others.
- Conducts regular data handling training sessions for employees.
EthicalEthical encompasses a broader commitment to moral principles and responsible behavior. It involves adhering to high ethical standards, acting with integrity, and fostering a culture of ethical decision-making through tools like Codes of Conduct and compliance programs. This dimension highlights accountability, trustworthiness, and the importance of doing the right thing even under challenging circumstances.
- Takes responsibility for the ethical culture created at the company and holds employees accountable for their actions.
- Aspires to high organizational principles to build a firm ethical culture.
- Supports good corporate ethics programs to encourage ethical behavior and integrity among employees.
- Establishes a Code of Conduct to provide employees with clear guidelines on the company's ethical standards and integrity expectations.
- Fosters a high standard of ethics and integrity.
- Exemplifies a high degree of business ethics, integrity, honesty, and fairness.
- Can be counted on to act ethically and responsibly at all times.
- Creates a compliance and ethics culture where integrity is at the core of all decisions.
- Always exhibits a high standard of ethics and integrity
- Creates a Code of Conduct to guide employees on the company's expectations regarding ethics and integrity.
- Adheres to ethical principles and keeps promises.
- Highlights a commitment to ethical behavior and accountability.
- Displays a high standard of ethics and integrity.
- Upholds strong moral and ethical standards, even when faced with challenges or temptations to compromise.
- Develops codes of conduct to provide responses to ethical dilemmas that employees may faced.
- Can be trusted to do the right thing.
Consistency in PrinciplesConsistency in Principles focuses on reliability and steadfastness in ethical behavior. It highlights the ability to act ethically and maintain integrity across all situations, ensuring alignment between actions, values, and organizational standards at all times. This dimension emphasizes being dependable and consistent in ethical conduct, which fosters trust and credibility.
- Consistently adheres to ethical principles and making decisions based on what is morally right, rather than opting for shortcuts or dishonest practices.
- Consistently demonstrates a high degree of integrity, whether in public or in private.
- Consistently delivers high-quality work, ensuring that every task is completed to the best of their ability.
- Maintains a commitment to honesty, fairness, and transparency in all actions and interactions regardless of the potential consequences or temptations to act otherwise.
- Remains true to core values and principles, demonstrating respect and self-control even in challenging situations.
- Behaves in a way that is consistent, ethical, and principled.
- Consistently upholds the highest ethical standards, regardless of the setting.
- Is the same person in public and in private.
- Consistently does the right thing, even when no one is watching.
- Exemplifies integrity and responsibility both publicly and privately.
- Consistently adheres to ethical standards and values, regardless of the situation.
- Maintains consistency in ethical behavior to foster an environment of mutual trust.
- Maintains a consistent level of integrity in all situations to earn the trust and respect of their colleagues and subordinates.
- Is consistent in ethical behavior, demonstrating professionalism and a commitment to the company's values.
Maintains Core PrinciplesMaintains Core Principles emphasizes decision-making and commitment to foundational values. It involves prioritizing ethical behavior even in the face of challenges, maintaining long-term trust, and aligning actions with deeply held values and stakeholders' best interests. This dimension is more about making tough, principle-driven choices and preserving the organizationâs ethical foundation.
- Understands that integrity in reporting is essential for maintaining transparency and trust with stakeholders, including employees, customers, investors, and regulatory bodies.
- Maintains high standard of excellence when dealing with ethical, legal, or regulatory issues.
- Does the right thing even when negative consequence may result.
- Makes tough choices that prioritize long-term trust and credibility over short-term gains.
- Understands that the way a company does business is just as important as the quality of work.
- Makes decisions that are based on core principles and not on individual circumstances.
- Prioritizes ethical behavior over immediate gains ensuring that actions align with values and the best interests of all stakeholders.
- Shows a profound commitment to personal integrity and performance.
Principled in Small MattersPrincipled in Small Matters emphasizes paying attention to the finer details and maintaining integrity in everyday actions. This dimension underscores the importance of ethical behavior even in minor situations, fostering trust and credibility through accountability, attention to detail, and consistent follow-through on small commitments. It reflects a dedication to integrity in the nuances that build the foundation for long-term trust and professionalism.
- Creates a culture where ethical behavior is the norm and where employees understand that all actions, no matter how small, matter.
- Recognizes and appreciates the efforts of team members regularly, even for minor tasks.
- Pays attention to the "little things" to help maintain a positive reputation.
- Admits to, and corrects, even minor mistakes to foster a culture of accountability.
- Maintains attention to detail ensuring that small details in work processes and documentation are accurate and complete.
- Builds long-term relationships through honesty with customers, even in small matters.
- Maintains high standards of integrity in small matters to prevent the potential for ethical compromises to escalate.
- Responds promptly to emails and phone messages to show respect for others' time and demonstrate reliability.
- Follows through on commitments and promises, no matter how small, to build trust and credibility.
Supports Others
- Serves the needs of customers with integrity and trust.
- Encourages subordinates to act with trust, integrity, and leadership.
- Actively encourages and recognizes the achievements and efforts of colleagues fostering a supportive and positive work environment.
- Provides mentorship and guidance to others to help them grow and develop professionally reflecting a commitment to their success and the success of the organization overall.
- Creates an environment where employees feel comfortable discussing concerns or suggestions, no matter how small.
- Freely offers sound information and advice.
Respects Others
- Demonstrates integrity to create an environment where everyone feels valued and respected, boosting overall morale.
- Always responds with courtesy demonstrating a fundamental respect for others.
- Shows respect for individuals by addressing any concerns or feedback directly with them rather than discussing them behind their backs.
- Exhibits kindness and respect towards others without seeking personal gain.
- Respects others as a demonstration of integrity and a core ethical principle of fairness and justice.
- Shows respect and tolerance for others with different beliefs demonstrating integrity as a core value.
- Demonstrates integrity by respecting others, embodying the core ethical principles of fairness and justice.
Exhibits Professionalism
- Demonstrates self-control, emotional maturity, and integrity by maintaining composure and responding courteously, even when faced with rude behavior.
- Responds courteously even when confronted with rude behavior to show that the principles of respect and kindness are unwavering, regardless of the situation.
- Shows steadfast integrity, dedication, and excellence, persistently seeking to make a meaningful impact and bolster the company's success.
- Takes responsibilities seriously and is dedicated to maintaining a high reputation and also the reputation of the department and organization.
- Builds productive working relationships with others.
- Maintains a strong unwavering support for professional standards and behavior.
- Handles difficult interactions with grace to set a positive example for others, promoting a culture of respect and professionalism.
- Maintains composure and does not react rudely when confronted with rude behavior to show self-control, emotional maturity, and integrity.
- Is a dedicated and conscientious professional striving to achieve high standards of quality and levels of productivity.
- Fosters a commitment to excellence and attention to detail.
Interpersonal Relationships
- Establishes relationships of trust, honesty, fairness, and integrity.
- Is a reliable and dependable partner.
- Maintains strong relationships with others.
- Maintains the highest degree of integrity in interactions with others.
- Demonstrates sincerity in actions with others.
Self-Regulation
- Recognizes the critical importance of self-regulation and integrity in business operations, particularly in reporting.
- Understands the business need for self-regulation and integrity in reporting.
- Upholds the highest standards of integrity, dedication, and excellence, always striving to achieve success.
- Is committed to self-regulation.