essay on integrity in workplace

Integrity in the Workplace (What It Is & Why It’s Important)

A recent Global Integrity Survey from EY reported that 97% of respondents agree that integrity is a vital foundation for any corporation (Gordon, 2022).

Despite the sweeping agreement that integrity offers significant value to organizations, EY highlights a widening gap between awareness of integrity’s role in business operations and diminishing standards of conduct (Gordon, 2022).

As such, organizations must be proactive in creating a culture where integrity can take precedent.

Read on to see what integrity in the workplace looks like, the benefits of being a leader of integrity, and practical pathways to becoming more consistent.

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This Article Contains

What is the meaning of integrity, understanding integrity in the workplace, 2 examples of moral virtues in the office, leading by example: integrity in leadership, how to promote a culture of workplace integrity, ways in which integrity at work can promote wellbeing, worksheets from positivepsychology.com, a take-home message.

What does it mean to have integrity? According to Peterson and Seligman (2004), integrity is a character strength involving honesty, morality, and trustworthiness.

A key feature of individuals with integrity is their ability for consistency and self-concordance — that is, alignment between their values and behaviors.

Integrity in the workplace encompasses a range of qualities and behaviors that reflect honesty, ethics, and consistency in work-based actions.

Importantly, integrity can occur at an individual level (i.e., leaders and employees can align their words and deeds; Simons, 2002) and at the organizational level (i.e., corporations can be committed to fair governance and sustainable, ethical behaviors that give back to society; Gordon, 2022).

Within the workplace, integrity can play out in a number of ways on both the individual and organizational level.

At the individual level, this may look like:

• Being honest and trustworthy
• Adhering to company values
• Being consistent
• Being professional
• Making decisions ethically

At the organizational level, this may look like:

• Building a culture of integrity through leadership
• Making ethical business decisions
• Having clear corporate social responsibility commitments
• Adhering to regulations and laws
• Operating with fair and transparent governance

In short, workplace integrity can operate on two levels: the personal integrity of each employee and the integrity of the corporation. However, there is one key behavior that characterizes both: ethical behavior that serves to uphold moral principles.

Corporations are failing to engage in integrity in a meaningful way, and as such, mismatches between senior management’s perceptions of integrity and those of the employees are widening (Gordon, 2022).

It is therefore vital to start with the basics: understanding the myriad benefits that a culture of integrity provides to an organization.

4 Reasons it is important

Integrity in the workplace is crucial for several reasons.

1. Positive work environment

A workplace culture based on integrity creates an environment that breeds positivity and support, and is one where employees feel able to work ethically and to raise concerns without fear of retaliation (Gordon, 2022).

The behavioral integrity of leaders is also directly correlated to increased organizational commitment, employee retention , and job satisfaction (Davis & Rothstein, 2006).

2. Ethical conduct and risk management

Integrity helps prevent unethical behavior such as fraud, corruption, and misconduct. Indeed, fraud and risk assessments are critical corporate integrity action points (Gordon, 2022).

When employees uphold moral principles and adhere to ethical standards, they contribute to the culture of integrity and compliance within the organization.

3. Credibility, reputation, and brand image

Integrity builds trust and confidence in coworkers, clients, and stakeholders (Engelbrecht et al., 2017).

Organizations with a reputation for integrity are also more attractive to customers, investors, and potential employees. Maintaining integrity enhances the organization’s brand image and credibility in the marketplace and reduces the severe reputational damage that can follow unethical behavior (Cialdini et al., 2004).

4. Long-term success

Organizations that prioritize integrity are more likely to achieve long-term success and sustainability (Nink & Robison, 2020). By building trust with stakeholders, maintaining ethical standards, and fostering a positive work environment, they create a solid foundation for growth and resilience.

When organizations thoughtfully take the time to plan their workplace integrity strategy, they are able to reap numerous benefits and simultaneously avoid some serious pitfalls that can have disastrous implications for brand reputation.

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Below, we outline memorable real-world examples of integrity in the work domain. What you may notice is that all of them involve a leader with unwavering integrity.

1. Ben & Jerry’s social justice campaigns

In June 2020, amid widespread protests against racial injustice and police brutality following the killing of George Floyd, Ben & Jerry’s (n.d.) released a statement addressing systemic racism and calling for concrete action to dismantle it. The statement was titled “Silence Is NOT an Option.” In the statement, Ben & Jerry’s expressed solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and pledged to support efforts to combat racial injustice.

Ben & Jerry’s decision to speak out against racism and support the Black Lives Matter movement demonstrated incredible organizational integrity. The company aligned its actions with its values despite enormous risks to the brand, such as backlash from consumers or political scrutiny. The company chose to prioritize its principles of justice and equity.

In the years following this example, Ben & Jerry’s has continued to be vocal in its support of human rights and social justice issues.

2. Patagonia’s environmental stewardship

Patagonia, an outdoor clothing and gear company, is well known for its commitment to environmental sustainability and corporate responsibility.

One notable example of its organizational integrity occurred in September 2022, when Patagonia founder and CEO Yvon Chouinard announced he was donating the entirety of Patagonia’s future profits to climate charities (Gelles, 2022).

Chouinard has been vocal about the urgency of addressing climate change and the importance of businesses taking responsibility for their environmental impact. This decision received widespread media coverage and praise from environmental activists, consumers, and stakeholders.

It exemplifies how integrity in the workplace can be manifested through concrete actions that align with organizational values and contribute to broader social and environmental goals.

These examples demonstrate that it is possible for organizations and leaders to do the right thing and boost their positive reputation by doing so. Yet there are as many, if not more, examples of corporations and leaders behaving badly. To combat this, companies must look to their leaders.

It is likely not surprising to hear that leaders are the vanguards of organizational culture and brand image. Therefore, leaders who live by their values and champion honesty and ethical decision-making shepherd organizations toward success.

Below, we outline the key attributes of leaders with integrity (Nink & Robinson, 2020).

1. Honesty and transparency

Leaders with integrity are honest and transparent in their communication . They share information openly, even when it’s difficult or uncomfortable. They do not withhold or distort information for personal gain, and they can be trusted to make the right decisions.

2. Consistency, reliability, and accountability

When leaders are consistent with their words and actions and align their behavior with their values and principles, they demonstrate reliability.

Leaders with integrity are unwaveringly reliable. They fulfill their commitments and take responsibility for their actions and decisions. This includes being accountable for mistakes and errors, learning from them, and taking steps to rectify any negative consequences.

3. Ethical decision-making

Leaders with integrity evaluate situations and make decisions based on ethical principles, even when it might be easier to act otherwise or when facing pressure to compromise. They consider the impact of their decisions on stakeholders and society as a whole.

4. Courage and conviction

Integrity requires courage to stand up for what is right, even in the face of opposition or adversity.

Leaders with integrity have the courage to speak truth to power, uphold their principles, and defend the interests of their team and organization.

5. Respect, professionalism, and empathy

Trustworthy leaders show respect, courtesy, and empathy toward others, valuing diverse perspectives and experiences.

They listen actively, seeking to understand different viewpoints, while treating individuals with dignity and compassion. Leaders with integrity foster a positive work environment by valuing diversity, promoting inclusivity , and working tirelessly to uphold principles of equity and justice in their interactions and decision-making.

6. Leading by example

Leaders with integrity lead by example, embodying the values and behaviors they expect from others. Their actions inspire trust , credibility, and excellence in their team members, stakeholders, and the broader community.

7. Adherence to company values

Beyond self-concordance, leaders also actively align their actions with the values and mission of the organization, even when faced with difficult decisions or conflicting interests.

Overall, integrity in leadership is about being authentic, ethical, and principled in one’s conduct, and this sets the tone for organizational culture and shapes the direction and impact of the entire organization.

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It is not just leaders who should bear the burden of generating and maintaining workplace integrity, though their role is integral.

All employees and the organization as a whole must work together to build a culture of integrity (Kayes et al., 2007).

Below, we look at several concrete approaches that can elevate any organization’s integrity approach.

Psychological safety

Trust is one of the foundational pillars of workplace integrity. Not surprising, trust also provides the foundation for psychological safety .

As such, one way leaders can seek to build integrity is to make the work environment safe for their employees. Psychological safety in the workplace involves leaders actively driving out fear from their team members by promoting open feedback , focusing on team relationships, rewarding failure, and showing humility.

Authenticity

To be a person of integrity involves a degree of authenticity , and to be authentic requires self-awareness of your values and beliefs . The two are inherently linked, such that authenticity can be thought of as the embodiment of an individual’s values.

According to Oyserman (2001, p. 16150), values are “priorities, internal compasses or springboards for action — moral imperatives.” So values themselves are not actions but rather guiding principles for action. Moreover, values are more than individual preferences; they are social contracts about what is right and good.

Authenticity can be further understood as the “unobstructed operation of one’s true or core self in one’s daily enterprises” (Goldman & Kernis, 2002, p. 2) and comprises four components (Kernis & Goldman, 2006):

• Self-awareness
• Unbiased processing of the self
• Self-concordant behavior
• Relational openness

To build authentic leaders, organizations could collaborate with their employees to shape company values that align with personal values and use 360-degree feedback to help build awareness.

Beyond these two specific pathways, organizations can also look to take a systematic and comprehensive approach to building integrity in the workplace by providing education and training on the “why” of integrity (the benefits) and the “why not” (the consequences for transgressions).

Integrity can further be assessed in performance metrics and built into leadership training programs. On a more systemic level, an organization’s processes and policies can be audited to focus more on ethical operating (Kayes et al., 2007).

If you’re looking for more information about authenticity, you may enjoy this TEDx talk by Herminia Ibarra on the authenticity paradox.

Earlier in the article, we outlined some of the reasons why integrity in the workplace is important. In this section, we expand on one of those reasons.

Below, we outline several ways integrity can have a positive influence on employee wellbeing.

1. Reduced stress and anxiety

In an environment where integrity is prioritized, employees experience less stress and anxiety related to ethical dilemmas or concerns about dishonesty and unfair treatment (Prottas, 2008).

When employees can rely on their colleagues and leaders to act with integrity, this reduces uncertainty and fosters a sense of psychological safety, contributing to better mental and emotional wellbeing.

2. Enhanced job satisfaction

Employees who work in an environment characterized by integrity are more likely to have greater job satisfaction and be more committed to their organization (Davis & Rothstein, 2006).

When employees trust that their organization operates with integrity and treats them fairly, employee engagement increases, leading to greater overall wellbeing.

3. Healthy relationships and collaboration

Integrity promotes healthy relationships among coworkers based on mutual respect, honesty, and trust.

Collaboration becomes more effective when built on a foundation of integrity, as employees can rely on each other to uphold shared values and work toward common goals (Edmondson, 2018).

Having positive interpersonal relationships contributes to a supportive work environment where employees feel valued, understood, and supported, enhancing their sense of belonging and wellbeing.

4. Organizational citizenship behaviors

Employees who perceive their organization as having integrity are more likely to engage in organizational citizenship behaviors, such as helping others, volunteering for extra tasks, and advocating for the organization (Dineen et al., 2006).

These behaviors contribute to a positive work environment and enhance employees’ wellbeing.

Taken together, the benefits to be gained from workplace integrity abound. Specifically, integrity promotes wellbeing by fostering trust, reducing stress, enhancing job satisfaction, facilitating healthy relationships, and fostering a positive organizational culture where employees can thrive.

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To further highlight the link between authenticity and integrity, below we outline worksheets and exercises that help leaders identify their values and lean into authentic behavior in the workplace.

One excellent way to help zone in on our authentic selves is to write a mission statement . In this worksheet, leaders are encouraged to identify what they stand for and what they plan to do.

To act with integrity relies largely on being able to uphold one’s values. In the core values worksheet, individuals are provided with an extensive list of values and invited to consider which values resonate with them.

Another important skill required in order to identify your values and core self is self-awareness. One exercise promoted to boost self-awareness is the Johari window .

Lastly, leaders may be interested in the following article on authentic leadership , which outlines the characteristic traits of authentic leaders along with exercises and training to help individuals foster an authentic leadership style .

If you’re looking for more science-based ways to help others develop positive leadership skills, check out this collection of 17 validated positive leadership exercises . Use them to equip leaders with the skills needed to cultivate a culture of positivity and resilience.

According to Nink and Robison (2020), as the world of work continues to shift in line with hastening technology, trust will become the ultimate brand attribute. Yet as it stands, only 40% of employees in the United Kingdom and 36% in the United States think their employer “would do what is right.”

This highlights a significant gap between expectations of workplace integrity and reality.

To address this gap, organizations must create a culture of integrity, where values are embodied throughout the hierarchy of the company and there is zero tolerance for noncompliance or transgressions (Kayes et al., 2007).

Leaders play a pivotal role in creating such an environment and could look toward developing their own skills of self-awareness, authenticity, and empathy.

But ultimately, integrity in the workplace is more than just a boon for businesses; it’s about building a brighter future where honesty, accountability, and ethical leadership pave the way for a stronger, more trustworthy society.

We hope you enjoyed reading this article. Don’t forget to download our three Positive Leadership Exercises for free .

• Ben & Jerry’s. (n.d.). Silence is not an option . Retrieved March 8, 2024, from https://www.benjerry.com/about-us/media-center/dismantle-white-supremacy
• Cialdini, R. B., Petrova, P. K., & Goldstein, N. J. (2004). The hidden costs of organizational dishonesty. MIT Sloan Management Review , 45 (3).
• Davis, A. L., & Rothstein, H. R. (2006). The effects of the perceived behavioral integrity of managers on employee attitudes: A meta-analysis. Journal of Business Ethics , 67 , 407–419.
• Dineen, B. R., Lewicki, R. J., & Tomlinson, E. C. (2006). Supervisory guidance and behavioral integrity: relationships with employee citizenship and deviant behavior. Journal of Applied Psychology , 91 (3), 622–635.
• Edmondson, A. C. (2018). The fearless organization: Creating psychological safety in the workplace for learning, innovation, and growth . John Wiley & Sons.
• Engelbrecht, A. S., Heine, G., & Mahembe, B. (2017). Integrity, ethical leadership, trust and work engagement. Leadership & Organization Development Journal , 38 (3), 368–379.
• Gelles, D. (2022, September 14). Billionaire no more: Patagonia founder gives away the company. The New York Times . https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/14/climate/patagonia-climate-philanthropy-chouinard.html
• Goldman, B. M., & Kernis, M. H. (2002). The role of authenticity in healthy psychological functioning and subjective well-being. Annals of the American Psychotherapy Association , 5 (6), 18–20.
• Gordon, A. (2022, February 4). Tunnel vision or the bigger picture: How a focus on enhanced governance can help reimagine corporate integrity . EY. https://www.ey.com/en_gl/forensic-integrity-services/how-a-focus-on-governance-can-help-reimagine-corporate-integrity
• Kayes, D. C., Stirling, D., & Nielsen, T. M. (2007). Building organizational integrity. Business Horizons , 50 (1), 61–70.
• Kernis, M. H., & Goldman, B. M. (2006). A multicomponent conceptualization of authenticity: Theory and research. Advances in Experimental Social Psychology , 38 , 283–357.
• Nink, M., & Robison, J. (2020, December 14). Want a company with more integrity? Leaders set the tone . Gallup. https://www.gallup.com/workplace/327521/company-integrity-leaders-set-tone.aspx
• Oyserman, D. (2001). Values: psychological perspectives. In N. J. Smelser & P. B. Baltes (Eds.), International encyclopedia of the social & behavioral sciences (pp. 16150–16153). Elsevier.
• Peterson, C., & Seligman, M. E. (2004). Character strengths and virtues: A handbook and classification (vol. 1). Oxford University Press.
• Prottas, D. J. (2008). Perceived behavioral integrity: Relationships with employee attitudes, well-being, and absenteeism. Journal of Business Ethics , 81 , 313–322.
• Simons, T. (2002). Behavioral integrity. Organization Science , 1 , 20–35.

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What's integrity in the workplace and why is it important? (+examples)

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What is integrity? Definition and meaning

7 traits associated with integrity

What does it mean to have integrity at work?

The importance of integrity in the workplace?

Key examples of integrity in the workplace

5 ways to foster integrity at work, prioritizing integrity in the workplace.

Having integrity means that you are honest, ethical, and follow defined moral principles. And integrity at work is about even more than honesty and respect. If an organization has a true culture of integrity, that means employees take their commitments seriously, are proactive when they don’t understand their responsibilities, and ultimately, are accountable for their results. As a result, the business thrives.

We all want to make other people happy and succeed professionally. However, that can lead employees to overpromise on what they’re capable of, resulting in burnout and lack of engagement. Whether it’s constantly missing deadlines or losing interest in work altogether, a lack of integrity will harm both the company and the individuals who make it up. 

Integrity isn’t easy, but it’s incredibly important for real, lasting growth. From fostering an open and positive work environment to promoting strong and resilient teams , integrity in the workplace benefits employers and employees. 

Let’s review what integrity means, why having integrity at work matters, and how to foster it at your workplace.

Integrity means being honest and having strong moral principles. A person with integrity behaves ethically and does 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.

7 traits associated with integrity 

Integrity may seem like a vague concept. If you want to encourage integrity at your workplace and live it out for yourself, you might need a more concrete definition. 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: 

• Expressing gratitude for others
• Valuing honesty and openness 
• Taking responsibility and accountability for your actions, good and bad
• Respecting yourself and others around you no matter where you are

Helping those in need without sacrificing your own health

• Demonstrating reliability and trustworthiness  
• Showing patience and flexibility, even when unexpected obstacles show up

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. Or, they may go the extra mile to give their friend a gift when they’ve supported them through a difficult time. 

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’re 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

You might not think of boundaries when you think of integrity. However, living in integrity means living at peace with yourself and your values — and relationship boundaries , whether it’s with your coworkers or your family, help you do that. For example, if your friend wants to call you during work, but you need to finish a project, you need to set a boundary and call them later. 

Integrity also means respecting others’ boundaries. Let’s say your coworker doesn’t want to talk about their dating life. So as a person with integrity, you don’t ask them certain questions. You also need to respect their time, personal values, and their identity — for example, using correct 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 self-care , fueling themselves so that they can stay resilient for years to come. 

6. Demonstrates reliability and trustworthiness 

Knowing how to build trust is important in all of life, especially when it comes to integrity at work. If you’re a member of a team or organization, people count on you to do what you say you will. If you don’t, there will be consequences for not just you, but everyone around you. Being a reliable and trustworthy person is crucial to living with integrity. 

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.

What is integrity at work?

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 happier 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, reviewing policies and procedures before starting a complex task or being honest about forgetting to do an important task are two examples 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.

• Are reliable and dependable (i.e., you show up to work on time)
• Are trustworthy, especially with classified information and high-risk tasks
• Practice and encourage open communication with your colleagues and managers
• Are respectful, honest, and patient with your colleagues, managers, and customers
• Have a strong work ethic and strive to produce high-quality work consistently 
• Are responsible for your actions, especially when you make a mistake
• Make sound decisions, even under high-stress situations 
• Are equipped to provide high-quality service to your customers

Here are three real-life examples of integrity at work:

• A teacher addressing childhood conflict head-on by being honest with their superiors.
• A banker and loan officer owning up to their mistakes when a processing step is missed.
• 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 

Kate, a kindergarten teacher, has been struggling to help two of her students get along. The two students often push and hit each other, call each other names, and sometimes even get the rest of the class involved. 

Because of this conflict, the two students can’t concentrate on assignments and are struggling to turn in work on time. Sometimes the conflict also prevents the rest of the class from staying focused on their work. 

After trying to solve the problem on her own, Kate reaches out to the school principal. The principal values her honesty. After discussing the problem with the two students, they ask the school counselor to mediate the situation.

Afterward, they give the students the chance to rejoin the class, with the expectation to show improved behavior.

Thanks to Kate’s honesty about facing a difficult challenge:

• The two students were able to resolve the conflict without switching classes. 
• Kate’s class regained focus and began turning in assignments on time.
• Kate earned more trust from her principal.

Example 2: owning up to mistakes

Jared, a banker and loan officer, has just accepted a new position as a home equity loan officer at a nearby bank. 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, Jared 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 — Jared was responsible for the loan application all along.

Embarrassed by his mistake, Jared turns to his manager to explain the situation. Although his manager isn’t happy that the loan application was never processed, he appreciates Jared's transparency. 

Thanks to Jared owning up to his mistake:

• The manager was able to help Jared speed up the loan process. 
• Jared understood that he was officially responsible for his customers’ loan applications on his own.
• Jared’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.

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The importance of integrity at work

But why does integrity at work truly matter? Workplace integrity should be a core value for any organization that wants to succeed, grow, and maintain ethical practices. When employees have integrity, companies and their teams can operate smoothly. 

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 .

Here are six more benefits that come from a culture of integrity at work:

1. Promotes better leaders

Companies that hold their managers up to high ethical standards promote strong and ethical leaders. 

Leaders with integrity understand that their actions, words, and  decisions shape the company’s values, culture, and morale . They value their customers, become role models for their team, and act with good intentions rather than with selfish motives.

2. Helps foster an open and positive work environment

A strong organization values integrity as a way to foster an open and positive work environment . When employees know their company operates based on strong values, they feel comfortable sharing ideas, connecting with their team, and being themselves.

3. Promotes an ethical approach to decision-making

From protecting stakeholders to creating new products, upholding strong moral standards in the workplace helps team members make deliberate, thoughtful decisions.

4. Encourages diversity, equity, and inclusion

Companies that promote integrity value having a diverse team . They welcome a variety of perspectives, celebrate differences, and strive for equality in the workplace.

5. Promotes strong and resilient teams

Teams are strong and resilient when they have a set of standards as guidance. They also feel a sense of meaning and purpose at work . This contributes to their morale, productivity, and engagement. It can even push employees to reach peak performance .

6. Actively builds and maintains trust

Honesty and integrity are the main pillars of trust — an essential component for building credibility. As businesses strive to keep customers and employees, their credibility is the driving force that influences them to stay.

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, “Can you clarify what you mean by ___?”

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.

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Elizabeth Perry, ACC

Elizabeth Perry is a Coach Community Manager at BetterUp. She uses strategic engagement strategies to cultivate a learning community across a global network of Coaches through in-person and virtual experiences, technology-enabled platforms, and strategic coaching industry partnerships. With over 3 years of coaching experience and a certification in transformative leadership and life coaching from Sofia University, Elizabeth leverages transpersonal psychology expertise to help coaches and clients gain awareness of their behavioral and thought patterns, discover their purpose and passions, and elevate their potential. She is a lifelong student of psychology, personal growth, and human potential as well as an ICF-certified ACC transpersonal life and leadership Coach.

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• Oct 12, 2021
• 12 min read

How to Demonstrate Integrity in the Workplace (10 Examples)

Integrity is an essential quality in every workplace. Here, we discuss important examples of integrity in the professional sphere and the positive impact this can have.

Valerie David

Lifestyle and Career Expert

Reviewed by Chris Leitch

Although employers don’t usually list ‘integrity’ under the list of skills and qualities that they are looking for in job vacancies, it’s something that’s desired from an employee and is a valuable quality to have. Integrity encompasses honesty, dependability, morals, ethics and honour. It means being thoughtful of others and always doing the right thing, even in difficult circumstances.

This act of honesty in the workplace creates an environment of trust, compassion and teamwork, which is why it’s so valued. So, to prove just how important integrity in the workplace is, here are 10 distinct ways of acting with integrity.

1. Work when you’re on the clock

Integrity in the workplace begins by showing up on time and dedicating yourself to your job. Although you don’t have to be glued to your screen for the entire workday, you should prove to your employer that you’re there to work and not spend hours by the water cooler talking about personal issues with Jane from accounting. After all, you’re hired to do a job and work your scheduled hours.

Dave arrives at the dealership and, as usual, sees some of his fellow mechanics standing around talking, texting their friends or watching videos on their phones. Dave gets right to work at his scheduled start time. As much as he’d like to stream movies on his laptop, he knows that a four-wheel brake job requires his full attention. He focuses on his work and gets the car back in safe, working order. Because he worked diligently with no distractions, the customer gets their car back sooner than expected.

Dave resisted the temptation to slack off , even though he had something he was more enthused about than work that day. He showed integrity by not only doing his job but giving it his full attention to do it correctly. He considered the needs of the customer, as well as his employer, ahead of his own interests.

His efforts resulted in a satisfied customer; therefore, Dave’s bosses will be more likely to consider him for a promotion as they know that they can depend on him to deliver a good and efficient service.

2. Admit your mistakes

Mistakes are easy to be made, but the way you handle it and rectify it is what matters the most. As appealing as it may be to let the blame fall elsewhere, it’s still a better option to maintain your integrity and own up to your mistake. Most bosses will appreciate your honesty, and your coworkers will be happy you didn’t throw them under the bus. This, in turn, fosters a sense of trust in the workplace, making it a positive environment for productivity and teamwork .

It’s the day before the trade show, and Helena realises that some of the equipment will arrive late because she initially typed the wrong date for delivery. Mistakes like this have happened before, and Helena knows she could probably blame the shipping company and save herself from the wrath of her bosses. Instead, she calls the company and manages to get a delivery that will only be a few hours late. She then informs her supervisor about the error, apologising and letting her know she has done her best to mitigate the inconvenience.

3. Keep your promises

Everyone makes promises at work, whether it’s promising your boss you won’t be late again or assuring your team that you’ll get a complex report in by the end of the week. Making promises is easy; the important part is keeping them.

Manoj has been hoping to get a promotion at work , so when his boss asks for volunteers for a new marketing campaign, he quickly steps forward. As the weeks pass, though, he realises it’s more difficult than he’d realised to juggle his regular workload with this new assignment. He brainstorms with two more experienced colleagues and partners up with a designer in another department to help him get the project done on time. Even though he misses out on some plans with friends, he stays late every night for a week to get all his work in as promised.

This is a perfect example of integrity in the workplace because it requires making the right choice even if it’s more difficult. Manoj has now proven to his coworkers and his boss that he’s reliable, resourceful and true to his word. That will likely be remembered when it’s time to decide on promotions.

4. Give credit where credit is due

In 1777, Samuel Adams wrote ‘give credit to whom credit is due’, a wise bit of advice that we can still follow to maintain our integrity. In the workplace, people will need to work collaboratively, and if you praise each other, you’ll lift up each other’s spirits and produce a higher standard of work.

Nina has been struggling to gain approval from her new boss, Mr Nguyen, who has exacting standards about even the tiniest details. It’s a welcome change when he calls her into his office to praise her for her work but, unfortunately, Nina soon realises his appreciation is mostly for the new streamlined format for invoices that her assistant Jane designed. Nina informs Mr Nguyen that she is pleased he approves of the new format and gives Jane credit for her ingenuity.

It would have been easy for Nina to simply accept the praise from her boss since the work came from the department she manages. By being honest, however, she has shown that she is a leader with integrity. This should impress her boss, who will also realise she inspires creativity and teamwork . Nina’s staff will respect her and will work harder, knowing their accomplishments are valued.

5. Follow the rules

Part of having integrity in the workplace is living by the rules and regulations that your company has carefully crafted to guide employee actions and behaviour. These rules help you avoid bad habits like an unprofessional wardrobe and poor email etiquette, but also help you comply with laws and ethical standards.

Ned phones a patient at home to let her know about her latest test results. He checks the patient’s privacy form and sees she has only given permission to leave a non-specific message to call the doctor back. When the patient’s husband answers the phone, he asks to know the reason for the call. He sounds caring and concerned, but Ned cites patient confidentiality and politely ends the call.

Sometimes company rules may not make sense to you, and you’ll feel tempted to override them. Ned might have been sympathetic to a worried husband and given him details about the test. He showed integrity by sticking to the rules, however, even if they made him uncomfortable. He put the patient’s rights above his own feelings and showed his employers he can be trusted with confidential information.

6. Treat people with respect

Another way to demonstrate integrity at work is to follow good office etiquette and treat everyone with respect. This means being polite, professional and considerate, even those you might not get along with .

Mari is part of a team that has spent the last six months developing new software for a client. In a meeting with management, discussion gets heated about some problems with the design, and one of Mari’s colleagues blames her for all the issues. Though the accusation stings, Mari remains calm and asks him to explain in more detail so she can address his concerns. She doesn’t interrupt and then suggests the other team members offer their input. Together they explore the problems with the software and work towards a solution.

When things are going well, it’s easier to be cordial to your colleagues. In this case, Mari was confronted with an antagonistic situation and might have lashed out to defend herself. Instead, she made the effort to keep things civil and let everyone have a voice in the discussion.

7. Stand up for what’s right

Many of the examples of integrity in the workplace involve keeping the peace, playing well with others and putting your employer’s best interests ahead of your own. There are times, however, when having integrity means going against your colleagues or bosses.

Hector walks into the break room at work and hears a couple of his coworker friends making crass remarks about one of the female coders. Hector remembers a Daily Life article his girlfriend showed him about calling out sexism. He grabs an empty mug from the counter, dubs it the ‘Sexist Moron Jar’ and demands his buddies cough up $5 each.

Calling out sexism, racism and other bigoted comments is not an easy task at work. Depending on whom you’re addressing, it can make things socially uncomfortable or put your job security in jeopardy.

As with any communication at work , it’s important to know your audience. Hector’s joke might be an effective way to shame his friends without causing an argument, but it’s probably not the wisest course to take with his boss. A subtler approach is usually recommended, especially with an isolated comment that can be reproached with ‘I know you probably didn’t mean it this way, but…’

It won’t lessen your integrity to be cautious of your actions. Always try the least aggressive reactions first. If you see repeated patterns of bad behaviour, however, report it to an approachable superior or go directly to HR.

For particularly hostile environments , your best bet will be to leave for a better company and encourage others to do the same. Sometimes a high turnover of employees and subsequent loss of productivity and profits is the only way to get a company to change its ways.

8. Demonstrate flexibility

How do you respond when unexpected obstacles show up? No one enjoys for their plans to be derailed by an unforeseen hurdle. That said, how you approach such hurdles will say a lot about you. Being adaptable and flexible will allow you to overcome any situation and illustrate both your positivity and commitment to do a job well done and deliver results, despite any difficulties.

Emma and her team have been working on an in-depth marketing campaign for an external client. After weeks of meetings, discussions and revisions, the campaign is nearly ready. However, days before finalising, the client decides that they want to take a different approach, making major changes to the initial vision for the campaign.

While Emma and her team feel a tinge of frustration, Emma leads by example and instantly finds a new way to salvage most of her team’s work and repurpose within the new campaign approach. Her flexibility has a positive impact both on her team and her work, leaving both the apologetic client and her anxious supervisors with a feeling of relief.

9. Be considerate of others

Being considerate of others and their needs is an essential aspect of having integrity. Even if you’re not asked directly, offering help when someone might need it or covering for someone when they’re dealing with an emergency shows you have strong character and empathy. Of course, being considerate doesn’t mean you should be prioritising everyone else’s needs above your own, but if you’re willing and able to lend them a helping hand, then you should.

Mark has finalised his tasks for the week and is about to log off from work for the weekend. His colleague Sarah is about to do the same when she gets handed a last-minute urgent task by their manager. This means Sarah will be unable to pick up her daughter from school, leaving her in a tight spot. Being in the same department, Mark, who has no plans for the rest of the day, other than his weekly grocery shopping, offers to take the task off her hands, allowing Sarah to leave work on time.

The following week, Sarah covers for Mark when he has a family emergency, causing him to leave mid-task. By being considerate of each other, they manage to create a solid support system within the workplace.

10. Express gratitude

We often forget, or underestimate, how impactful gratitude is. Just as it is important to offer help, it’s equally important to be gracious when others provide help to you. A simple ‘thank you’ can go a long way but taking it a step further and recognising someone’s contributions and help while expressing your gratitude is even more powerful. Taking the time to do this will help you build trusting relationships with the people you work with.

John and few other colleagues offer to help you with a big project that is due soon. Although they’re not officially assigned to the project, they distribute pending tasks among themselves and start working on them. At the end, the project is delivered successfully and on time. You make sure to acknowledge their help, giving them credit where it’s due, but also ensure to thank each of them individually and express how glad you are that they were a part of it.

Recognising someone’s efforts and commitment is essential, and in this case, it once again helps build stronger team dynamics and a more positive work environment.

Final thoughts

As you can see, having integrity at work isn’t always the easiest path to take. That said, it is the most personally rewarding, and it helps create a positive and healthy environment in both business and life.

Further workplace reading:

• The Importance of Communication at Work
• Strategies to Excel at Work
• Job Satisfaction and Happiness

Can you think of some other examples of integrity in the workplace? Let us know in the comments section below.

This article is an update of an earlier version published on 4 August 2019 and contains contributions by staff writer Melina Theodorou.

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Integrity in the Workplace: Why It’s Important

A couple of years ago, Starbucks started campaigning for sustainability. Their first step: switch to strawless lids to reduce waste created by plastic straws. Good idea, right?

Well, not quite. The media soon found that the new lids contained more plastic than the old lid and straw combination. While the company tried to rationalize that this was made from recyclable plastic, critics rightfully pointed out that only a fraction of plastic gets recycled. 

The moral of this story? Starbucks did a poor job of cultivating integrity in the workplace. 

What is Integrity in the Workplace?

In the workplace, integrity refers to consistency between the employee’s actions, values, and methods they use to get the job done. 

Integrity has two components:

• Personal – includes internal motivation to align with your ethical principles and moral values. 
• Professional  – includes adherence to the corporate policies, applicable laws, and industry regulations for your profession. 

According to an EY survey , 33% of business leaders say behaving with ethical standards is an important characteristic of integrity. Another 50% also name compliance with laws, regulations, and codes of conduct as important characteristics of workplace integrity. 

Conversely, integrity means that you’re a reliable, honest, and trustworthy person, capable of “doing the right thing” even when facing moral dilemmas. 

Examples of Integrity at the Workplace 

Doing the right thing often means doing the difficult thing. Sometimes you may want to conceal a mistake to not get fired . At other times, it may be tempting to cut some corners to add another accomplishment to your resume . 

On the other hand, one wrong action can cost you your professional reputation and, in some industries, your professional license. 

Here’s what it means to act with integrity in the workplace: 

• A vet assistant admits to the doctor that they were not fully following the post-treatment protocol, hence the new disease flare-up. 
• A sales manager refuses to push for a higher-priced solution to a client because they don’t have sufficient operational maturity to fully profit from it. 
• An employee stands up to a more senior colleague when they have been unfairly criticizing their colleague due to a personal bias. 

Why Integrity is Important in the Workplace

Integrity is a pillar of trust — and trust is the key factor of success for any business. 

No one would go to a hospital, whose treatment protocols are questionable. Likewise, few customers will buy from a producer known for watering down their wine. High integrity creates a strong reputation. Lack of thereof often results in monetary damages in the form of high compliance fines, lost brand equity, plummeting stocks, and consumer boycotts. 

A study found that markets often punish a lack of integrity among company leadership. These can include personal indiscretions committed by CEOs or a wider range of problems at all levels. 

Take it from the cautionary tale of WeWork — a startup that lost over 70% of its valuation in a month, after a former employee shared some disturbing insights into the company’s toxic workplace culture, poor corporate governance, and a CEO who had been borrowing money from the company with no interest to fund his outlandish lifestyle. 

That said, integrity isn’t just a must-have trait for corporate leaders — it’s an essential quality for every employee. As Warren Buffet once said : 

[At Berkshire Hathaway] We look for three things when we hire people. We look for intelligence, we look for initiative or energy, and we look for integrity.

His rationale? People without integrity can’t be trusted to do important work, so it’s better to have someone lazy and dumb, rather than a person whose judgment you’ll constantly doubt. 

The bottom line: Integrity inspires trust and respect at the workplace, fosters better teamwork, and drives organizational success. So it’s a quality many employers will expect you to showcase when asked situational or behavioral interview questions . 

How to Demonstrate Integrity in the Workplace? 

You are scrupulous about following your personal principles and corporate principles. So how do you best demonstrate that you walk the talk? Here are several ways to showcase integrity in the workplace.

1. Communicate Openly 

People may suspect outlier motives when you purposefully conceal or avoid certain subjects. Honest, proactive communication is the easiest way to prove them wrong. Don’t be afraid to share your thoughts, feelings, and observations with others. Admit when you’re wrong or don’t know the correct answer. People will not think less of you. On the contrary, they’d appreciate your candor and transparency. 

Example: 

Your boss asks you to complete a task you have never done before. Admit that this is new for you, but you’re eager to learn, rather than pretending that this is up your alley and then failing to complete the task on time.

2. Match Your Actions With Words 

No one likes a flaky — a person who loves big talk, but never follows through on their promises. By matching your word with your deeds, you showcase reliability and credibility — another two important qualities people value at the workplace. 

Keep the promises you make to others. If you’ve said you’ll have the task completed by a certain time or date, do so. Better yet — get it done in advance.

3. Treat Everyone Fairly 

Few people will tolerate colleagues or bosses who treat employees differently , showing signs of favoritism or negatively singling out certain colleagues. People with high integrity treat everyone fairly and with respect, regardless of the other person’s position on the corporate ladder or some personal sentiments. 

You speak to employees at every level with an equal level of politeness. You don’t discard someone’s opinions just because they’re in a junior role.

Final Thoughts 

Integrity often ranks amongst the top qualities employers seek and for a good reason. Workers with high integrity are dependable, honest, and authentic in their communication. They help cultivate an inspiring work culture, serving as role models for others. So this is a quality you should showcase during your next job interview !

Elena runs content operations at Freesumes since 2017. She works closely with copywriters, designers, and invited career experts to ensure that all content meets our highest editorial standards. Up to date, she wrote over 200 career-related pieces around resume writing, career advice... more

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How To Show Integrity In The Workplace (Plus Examples)

March 23, 2023 by Hannah Morgan

Understanding integrity in the workplace is important for a couple of reasons:

First, it can help you put your best foot forward and be a model employee. And second, you might be asked to share your personal definition during a job interview!

This guide goes over what integrity is in a workplace setting and gives you some great examples to keep in mind.

Table of contents

What is integrity, the importance of practicing integrity in the workplace, how to demonstrate integrity at work, examples of integrity at work.

Integrity is something that employers hope to foster in the workplace. While you might not see details about integrity in a job description, hiring managers and interviewers try to gauge candidates through every response they hear.

But what does this really mean?

Simply put, having integrity in the workplace means acting honorably, even when no one is around to see you do it. It’s about holding yourself to high moral standards and acting ethically in everything you do. Maintaining a high moral code means you do the right thing regardless of the outcome.

In a professional setting, integrity can manifest itself in many ways. It subconsciously dictates how you interact with others, make decisions, and approach everyday challenges. You may not think much about those little details, but that’s the point!

It’s staying true to your moral code and upstanding the ethical principles you live by.

Having integrity is crucial to thriving businesses. Employers look for it in potential employees and actively try to cultivate it in the work environment because it can lead to lasting growth and success.

When you have integrity in the workplace, you’re dependable, honest, and capable of holding yourself accountable. Teams only prosper when everyone demonstrates high integrity in everything they do. While mistakes can happen, employers want you to do the right thing when they occur.

They want people who will own up to their mistakes, take steps to correct them, and act ethically. It’s about open and honest communication while being unafraid of potential pushback.

Integrity makes you and your colleagues responsible for their actions. Employers want to have trust in employees. They want to rest easy knowing teams operate with high moral standards and can self-govern themselves.

No company wants to be forced to constantly work to keep everyone in line. Your employers shouldn’t have to worry that you’re behaving honestly and in line with your ethics and the ethics of the company.

Integrity at work also maintains productivity. It ensures everyone takes commitments seriously and can hold themselves accountable for deadlines and core responsibilities. Without integrity, people might bite off more than they can chew or take actions that hurt the company.

Having a bad reputation inside your organization will hurt your chances of a raise or promotion. A bad reputation that spreads outside your organization may prevent you from getting hired. 

A lack of integrity is harmful, so you must uphold high standards and demonstrate integrity at all times. Not only will it benefit your organization’s bottom line, but it could help you further your career.

There are many ways to demonstrate integrity in the workplace. The concept can seem vague and difficult to pinpoint. But once you understand how to spot it, you can learn to exercise and display this trait.

Here are a few ways how.

1. Be Honest

Honesty is always the best policy at work, no matter the situation. Open and honest communication is a keystone of integrity, and the best way to show this trait is not to avoid difficult conversations.

Everyone has been in a situation where they had to talk about something challenging. For example, you might have made a mistake at work or are dealing with a mountain of work with a looming deadline that seems impossible to make. Instead of bottling those stressful feelings and avoiding conversation, face them head-on.

If you’ve made a mistake, talk about your mistake with supervisors and discuss what you can realistically complete. If you’ve encountered a process that’s inefficient, don’t be afraid to discuss it. Holding everything in is not only unhealthy for you, but it does the company no favors. The worst-case scenario is that it’ll create resentment that makes you lose interest in your job.

Honesty avoids those conflicts and shows that you’re unafraid to speak openly, even when doing so can be uncomfortable.

2. Stay True to Your Word

Has a coworker ever promised to do something only to back out at the last second? That shows a glaring lack of integrity. Keeping your word is paramount.

Breaking promises at work is more common than you think. One common scenario is accepting more work than you can successfully do. Instead of learning not to make promises you can’t keep, you continue to try and push through.

The result is missed deadlines and broken words. That reputation can follow you. Suddenly, you become unreliable and unpredictable. And this reputation can even reach people outside of your company. People talk. 

The solution goes back to open communication. You must learn how to not bite off more than you can chew so you can make accurate promises in the future. Always keeping your word can prove to your colleagues and employers that you’re trustworthy and reliable.

3. Respect Others

Respect is another critical component of integrity at work, and it’s a two-way street. You must have respect for yourself and others.

When people think of integrity, they often focus on the inner moral standards they uphold. But how you interact with others is also a big piece of the puzzle.

You can show your respect by being honest, caring for others, and giving people the benefit of the doubt when faced with difficult situations.

And obviously, It’s also important to avoid engaging in gossip or rude behavior (even if it seems like all your coworkers are).

A big part of respect is to uphold the boundaries people set. For example, if someone doesn’t want to talk about their home life, you must respect that and not pry.

Treat people the way you want to be treated.

4. Be Responsible

Being responsible in your job can mean many different things. It might mean being available when you’re supposed to be, answering calls, or fulfilling your duties as expected. Whatever the case, showing integrity requires you to take your job seriously.

Employers don’t want to see you mindlessly going through the motions or avoiding responsibilities. The same thing applies if supervisors constantly have to remind you of your duties.

5. Work Hard

Employers expect you to show up and do your job. You’re not there to mull about or apply only a fraction of energy to your responsibilities. Your company hired you to get the job done!

Workplace integrity is about being a dedicated and vigilant employee. It all comes back to trust and reliability.

Your supervisors want to know they can trust you to do your job to the best of your ability. They don’t want to spend time constantly hounding you or reminding you to push yourself. If you’re regularly in meetings that revolve around your productivity, it likely means that your employers think you lack integrity.

Work hard to show that you care about your job and want to be there. Build that sense of confidence, and you’ll find that your employers will spend less time micromanaging you and more time trusting you.

6. Be Trustworthy

Trust is fragile. It’s easily broken and can take much longer to rebuild.

Integrity and trust go hand in hand. If your employers can’t trust you, they might have a good reason. Perhaps you’ve made mistakes in the past or were dishonest about previous failures. Whatever the case, your actions speak louder than words.

To become trustworthy, you must show up and prove to people around you that you’re someone they can rely on. That involves working hard, upholding promises, and holding yourself accountable.

Don’t do anything that could break your employer or colleague’s trust. Be honest and upfront while doing things that reinforce your commitment.

7. Strive to Be Someone Others Rely On

Reliability is a big deal in any work environment. Whether you’re in an office or a construction yard, employers want people they can rely on. They have no reason to keep you around if you frequently don’t show up or break their trust.

To be reliable is to be someone people can count on for anything. It’s about being that go-to person when they have something difficult to work on or a tight deadline. Now, that doesn’t mean you should be a people-pleaser. Boundaries are important, too.

But simply showing up, working hard, and earning people’s trust go a long way. Listen to others and accommodate the needs of others whenever possible without sacrificing your well-being.

8. Show Gratitude

Giving thanks and showing gratitude can also help you put your integrity on full display at work.

Being thankful for others whenever they take time out of their day to assist you goes a long way. People expect you to acknowledge their good deeds and help. When you don’t provide it, it comes off as ungrateful.

No one will volunteer to help you out if this is the case. Saying “thank you” and doing something nice for your coworkers will never be overlooked. It proves that you understand sacrifices and are grateful for the impact others make.

9. Respect Company Policies

Policies exist for a reason. They’re there to create a safer and more productive environment while avoiding conflicts that could derail success. You might not agree with each one that’s in place, and that’s fine.

But you still must follow and respect the policies your company sets.

Understanding the rules and following them to a tee shows that you respect the company and are willing to be a productive and helpful employee. Flagrant disregard for company policies will get you into hot water and make you look like someone who lacks integrity.

10. Handle Conflict Appropriately

Conflicts happen all the time. There are people in your workplace you don’t get along with, and there may be moments when disagreements occur. It’s a natural part of putting multiple personalities together under one roof!

To show integrity, handle those conflicts maturely. Avoid the high-school antics. There’s no need to gossip or fume in the corner.

Instead, show your professionalism and communicate honestly with the other party. If that’s not possible on your own time, don’t be afraid to hash things out with HR if necessary.

The goal is to squash drama quickly without causing more issues. Conflicts have the potential to create a toxic work environment for everyone. It’s not conducive to the bottom line and can ruin productivity.

Handle those conflicts like a mature adult. Being honest and focusing on open communication is the best way to do that. Bottling things up until your emotions erupt will only cause trouble later on.

11. Take Accountability & Acknowledge Your Mistakes

Finally, always take accountability. This is a big part of demonstrating integrity in the workplace, and owning up to your mistakes can leave a lasting impact on employers.

Mistakes happen all the time. Some are avoidable, but others aren’t. Either way, never turn a blind eye.

Failing to address mistakes can have a snowball effect. It can harm the bottom line, prevent others from doing their job, and worsen over time. Bring the mistake up to your supervisor the moment you realize what happens. Then, take steps to correct it. Owning up to your mistakes is the best way to prove you’re a mature employee who has a great deal of integrity.

Employers appreciate honesty, and holding yourself accountable shows you’re not afraid to face the consequences of mistakes.

Defining integrity in the workplace isn’t always easy, but you’ll know when you see it. Here are a handful of examples to provide more context on what integrity is and how you can show it at work.

Working Hard, Even When No One is Around to Appreciate It

In this example, we have a team of marketing professionals in the midst of a stressful project. The team is completing a campaign with a deadline looming at the end of the week. While morale is low, the team continues to push forward.

On the day before the deadline, the team’s supervisor had to leave early due to a family emergency. As she notifies the group and leaves the office only a couple hours into the work day, most people breathe a sigh of relief. Most people take it as a “day off” and immediately stop working.

But one team member, John, understands that the project is already at risk of not meeting the deadline. He tries to convince the rest of the team to keep working. A few realize what’s at stake and pitch in to keep working. However, the rest ignore them.

John and a few of his coworkers push hard and manage to get the rest of the deliverables finished by the end of the day.

Because John had the integrity to keep working, the team completed the project. The employer took notice of the effort John and his coworkers put in, which was very helpful for them during their next performance review.

Being Honest About Needing Help

In this scenario, Jessica is responsible for implementing a new feature on her company’s mobile app. She’s spent weeks developing code and experimenting with new scripting features. However, things aren’t working as she imagined, and the feature isn’t working as smoothly as the company needs.

Instead of ignoring the glaring bugs and hoping for the best, she speaks up.

Jessica goes to her supervisor and fellow coders with her issues. Several colleagues work with her to solve the issues. Not only did the new feature launch on time, but the finished product delivered a much better user experience.

Had she not spoken up and demonstrated integrity at work, there could have been a delay in implementation or a hit to the company’s reputation.

Showing Accountability Despite the Consequences

Austin works in the finance department of his company. He’s relatively new. As a result, he shadows more experienced accountants to understand his responsibilities better.

One day, he receives receipts for a collection of brand-new computers the company bought for another team. He knows that these receipts need proper expense accounting.

He assumes that this is something that he’ll need to send to the proper accountant who deals with business expenses. He uploads it to the company’s shared file repository, leaves a note for the specific accountant to handle, and moves on to another task.

A couple of weeks go by, and the previous month’s expense report comes out. While reviewing the information, Austin noticed that none of the receipts he received were accounted for in the budget. He incorrectly labeled the receipts when uploading them to the file repository, making them go unnoticed by the accountants who needed them.

Despite being a bit embarrassed and worried about making a bad impression, Austin goes to his direct supervisor and lets them know what happened. The manager was unhappy with the mistake but appreciated Austin’s honesty. The supervisor worked with Austin to show him the proper labeling techniques to avoid a similar error in the future.

Providing Credit When Due

Carol is completing a difficult project for a major client. She’s worked months on this project and is on the verge of providing deliverables.

But in the last stretch, she encounters a problem she can’t solve. After trying everything, she goes to one of your colleagues, Paige. Paige provided a game-changing tip that greatly impacted how she completed the project.

Not only did she apply that tip to cross the finish line, but she used it to make improvements to her earlier work.

During a team meeting, Carol receives great commendation from the client and her direct supervisors. Instead of taking all the credit, she makes a point to thank Paige for her contributions and express gratitude for her assistance. She mentions how Paige’s expertise was integral to finishing and improving the quality of her work.

As you can see, integrity in the workplace isn’t rocket science. By following the Golden Rule as well as putting forth a solid effort, you’re probably going to be just fine!

But thinking about this and knowing some examples can also be helpful during a job interview. Questions about integrity might come up as a way to see if you fit in with the company culture, and now you’ll be ready to answer them.

Hannah Morgan speaks and writes about job search and career strategies. She founded CareerSherpa.net to educate professionals on how to maneuver through today’s job search process. Hannah was nominated as a LinkedIn Top Voice in Job Search and Careers and is a regular contributor to US News & World Report. She has been quoted by media outlets, including  Forbes, USA Today, Money Magazine, Huffington Post, as well as many other publications. She is also author of The Infographic Resume and co-author of Social Networking for Business Success .

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How to Build a Company That (Actually) Values Integrity

• Robert Chesnut

Six ways leaders can show it’s more than just a box to check.

Online video ethics training classes produced by third parties might be all that is required to comply with the law, but they’re unlikely to move the needle in an era where leaders are increasingly being held accountable for poor behavior, and companies are being pushed by employees, governments and customers to step up and adopt a multi-stakeholder approach that serves social purposes as well as investor demands. The following practices can help business leaders to be proactive, inspire their workforce, and stay ahead of the ethical revolution: 1) Lead by example; 2) Make your ethics code your own; 3) Talk about it; 4) Make sure employees know how to report violations; 5) Demonstrate the consequences; and 6) Repetition matters.

For decades, leaders were expected to focus on one thing: financial results. But we are now in the midst of an ethical revolution. Leaders are increasingly held accountable for poor behavior, and companies are pushed by employees, governments, and customers to step up and adopt a multi-stakeholder approach that serves social purposes as well as investor demands.

• RC Robert Chesnut is author of the book Intentional Integrity: How Smart Companies Can Lead an Ethical Revolution and Why That’s Good for All of Us . He has spent his entire career working on issues relating to integrity in the workplace and the global marketplace, first as a federal prosecutor who handled espionage cases like the Aldrich Ames case, later as the founder of eBay’s marketplace trust and safety system, and most recently as the general counsel and chief ethics officer at Airbnb.

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Integrity at work: why it matters

10 min read

In our cutthroat world where it’s every person for themselves it seems that, in many cases, all the things that define integrity are gone. Things like honesty, strong ethical principles, and remaining truthful despite external pressures or circumstances.

People with integrity are often known for being committed to doing what’s right, even when it’s difficult, inconvenient, or may come at a personal cost. 

Think of it as a person’s moral compass. It’s not about rules and regulations; it’s about a deep sense of honor that guides someone in their interactions with others and when making decisions. A person’s integrity can be manifested in all areas of their life—interpersonal relationships, academic settings, and in a professional environment.

Since we’re all about the workplace, let’s talk about the role of integrity in the workplace.

What is integrity in the workplace?

Integrity can play a pivotal role in a workplace environment—not only can it foster trust, it can ultimately advance both personal and organizational growth.

Many organizations have mission statements that detail their core values. These are the fundamental principles that they use to guide and shape the culture, behavior, and even decision-making practices of the company. Think of this as the compass mentioned above, where integrity often plays a key role.

Integrity at work will include being truthful, principled, and ethical in all professional interactions.

Honesty and trustworthiness 

Honesty in the workplace refers to being truthful and transparent in all communications with colleagues, superiors, subordinates, and even external stakeholders like clients, customers, and partners.

For example, this could include the following:

• Be accurate. Always provide accurate information, data, and reports without any type of exaggeration, omission, or distortion.
• Don’t be deceitful. Avoid making misleading statements, half-truths, and outright lies in order to achieve personal or professional gains.
• Admit your mistakes. Acknowledge all errors and mistakes openly—take responsibility and rectify them.
• Maintain ethical sales and marketing practices. Always represent your products and services accurately and avoid misleading advertising or sales tactics.

Trustworthiness involves building and maintaining a reputation for reliability, dependability, and ethical conduct. Ethical teamwork, collaboration, and positive workplace relationships are all built on a foundation of trust. This can include:

• Maintaining confidentiality. Always respect and protect sensitive information and maintain confidentiality when required.
• Beware of conflicts of interest. Try to avoid situations where personal interests could compromise professional duties or decisions.
• Ownership and accountability. Always take responsibility for your own actions, regardless of the potential positive or negative results. 

Accountability 

In the context of accountability , integrity in the workplace refers to the commitment someone makes when taking ownership of their actions, decisions, and outcomes. This could include being answerable to your responsibilities, following through on commitments, and being just as transparent when it comes to shortcomings and failures as you would naturally be about achievements or successes.

Here’s a few examples of how accountability can relate to workplace integrity:

• Blame-shifting. Instead of pointing fingers at someone else, the accountable person will focus on what they can control and work toward a solution.
• Honest self-assessments. Accountable individuals will critically assess their performance and then acknowledge areas for improvement.
• Report mistakes. Mistakes happen, and the accountable individual will promptly admit their mistake and then take steps to rectify them.

Professionalism

Professionalism refers to maintaining a high standard of behavior, attitude, and ethical conduct in all professional interactions . In an organizational setting, it can embody respect, competence, and the commitment someone has to upholding the values of that organization.

Using the lens of integrity, how is this achieved?

• Always deliver your best. Granted, for most of us, there’s something of a sliding scale when it comes to our best—today’s best may be different than tomorrow’s best. But professionalism and integrity will prompt a person to deliver their best quality work.
• Honest self-assessments. Professionals will accurately assess their skills and expertise, and they’ll look for opportunities to improve when necessary.
• Adhere to policies. Always follow company policies and industry regulations.
• Meet commitments. Professional individuals will honor their promises and commitments, ensuring that deadlines and obligations are met.

Fairness and respect 

When focusing on fairness and respect , integrity in the workplace means treating everyone equitably, valuing their contributions, and fostering an environment where everyone is treated with dignity, and decisions are made without bias.

Here are some examples of how integrity, fairness, and respect are interconnected in the workplace.

• Consistency. Demonstrate consistency by applying fairness and respect in all interactions, avoiding favoritism and discrimination.
• Recognition. Acknowledge and appreciate every employee’s contribution and accomplishment, promoting and fostering a sense of worth.
• Dignity. Treat all individuals with dignity and consideration, regardless of their role or level in the organization.
• Equality. Treat all employees, regardless of their background, position, or characteristics, with the same standards and opportunities.

Why integrity matters

Why does integrity matter? Or more specifically, integrity in the workplace. 

Integrity in the workplace is the cornerstone of ethical behavior and will play a significant role in shaping the culture and success of an organization.

Here are several key reasons why integrity in the workplace is of utmost importance.

Builds trust and credibility 

Integrity is the foundation of trust and credibility . It creates an environment where honesty, ethical behavior, and consistency are valued and practiced—every single day. 

Here's how workplace integrity contributes to the establishment of trust and credibility:

• Consistency of words and actions. When individuals consistently align their actions with their words and values, it establishes a sense of reliability. People can trust that what is promised will be delivered, leading to confidence in an organization's credibility.
• Ethical decision-making. Integrity guides individuals and organizations to make decisions based on ethical principles, even in difficult situations. Ethical behavior demonstrates a commitment to doing what is right, which will resonate with stakeholders and enhance trustworthiness.
• Builds a positive reputation. Organizations that are known for integrity gain a positive reputation, which contributes to their credibility. Positive word-of-mouth spreads, and potential stakeholders are more likely to believe in and trust a reputable organization.

Fosters a positive work environment 

Integrity plays a crucial role in building and sustaining a positive work environment by creating a foundation of trust, respect, and ethical behavior. When integrity is upheld by everyone in an organization, it contributes to a workplace culture that’s collaborative, transparent, and conducive to personal and professional growth. 

Here's how integrity can build a positive work environment:

• Trust and Open Communication. Integrity promotes honest and open communication. If employees trust that their colleagues and leaders are truthful and reliable, they’ll feel comfortable about sharing ideas, concerns, and feedback. All this ultimately leads to a more open and collaborative work environment.
• Respect and Fair Treatment. A commitment to integrity will ensure that all individuals are treated with respect and fairness, regardless of their position or background. This creates a sense of inclusion and belonging, contributing to a positive workplace environment.
• Employee Engagement and Satisfaction. Employees who work somewhere that values integrity feel more engaged and satisfied. They know that their contributions are recognized, and their concerns are addressed, which leads to increased morale and motivation.

Encourages ethical behavior 

Integrity in the workplace can be a powerful catalyst for encouraging ethical behavior between employees and within an organization as a whole. When integrity is upheld and valued, it will create a culture where ethical considerations are central to all decision-making and actions.

Here’s a few examples of how integrity promotes and encourages ethical behavior in the workplace:

• Leading by example. When leaders and management demonstrate integrity through their actions and decisions, they set a strong example for their employees. Observing ethical behavior at the highest level of an organization encourages employees to follow suit.
• Establishing and ethical decision-making framework. Integrity will encourage the establishment of ethical decision-making frameworks and guidelines. These tools can help employees wade through complex situations by providing them with a structured approach to evaluating their options and helping them choose an ethical path.
• Peer influence. A company where ethical behavior is valued, employees can influence each other to uphold this standard. Positive peer pressure can encourage ethical conduct and discourage unethical actions.

Increases productivity and efficiency 

An organization where integrity is upheld creates an environment of trust, accountability, and ethical behavior, all of which leads to improved productivity and efficiency.

Here's how integrity can contribute to productivity and efficiency:

• Trust and collaboration. In a company where trust exists between colleagues and teams, they collaborate more effectively and share information more openly. Everyone working toward a common goal creates a collaborative atmosphere, speeds up decision-making and problem-solving processes, ultimately boosting productivity and efficiency.
• Accountability and responsibility. Integrity encourages employees to take ownership of their tasks and decisions. When individuals are accountable for their actions, they are more likely to complete tasks efficiently and meet deadlines.

Engagement isn't enough

Find out why HR professionals are focused on building a culture of success

Examples of integrity in the workplace

Integrity in the workplace can be demonstrated through a variety of actions and behaviors.

Transparency in communication and decision-making

When organizations prioritize transparency, they create an environment where information flows openly, and decisions are made with clarity. This will enhance trust, encourage accountability, and foster ethical conduct.

Additionally, transparent communication creates a culture of honesty and openness among employees and between employees and leadership. It establishes an environment where everyone feels valued and included, promoting informed decision-making and preventing hidden agendas. This helps to build trust since individuals know they’ll be treated fairly, and their concerns will be addressed.

Perhaps most importantly, transparent organizations are often better equipped to face a crisis, as honest communication during challenging times can maintain trust and manage expectations.

Admitting mistakes and taking responsibility

Admitting mistakes and taking responsibility is fundamental to integrity in the workplace. It demonstrates a commitment to honesty, accountability , and ethical behavior. 

When individuals have the integrity to admit their errors and take ownership of them, several positive outcomes are achieved. For example:

• Admitting mistakes builds trust
• Taking responsibility displays maturity and professionalism
• It paves the way for growth and learning
• it reinforces ethical behavior

Treating all employees equally and fairly

Displaying integrity in the workplace reflects a commitment to ethical conduct, respect , and a positive work environment. When organizations prioritize treating their employees equitably and fairly, it fosters a sense of inclusivity and belonging. When all employees are treated with the same standards of fairness, it creates an environment where diversity is valued, and everyone feels respected regardless of their background.

Additionally, equal and fair treatment builds trust. Employees can be sure that they’ll be evaluated, rewarded, and treated based on their merit and performance rather than on any personal biases.

How to promote integrity in the workplace

Promoting integrity in the workplace will involve several strategies. The good news is none of them are too difficult!

Establish clear values and expectations

Setting clear values and expectations involves defining core ethical principles and effectively communicating them. This will help to cultivate a work environment where ethical behavior is valued, upheld, and ultimately becomes ingrained behavior in the organization.

Provide training and resources

Offer employees training programs that focus on ethics, integrity, and decision-making. These programs can help to equip employees with the skills they need to navigate potentially troublesome situations while still upholding the organization’s values and mission statement.

Lead by example

Don’t establish a do is I say, not as I do culture. Instead, leaders and managers need to embody their organization’s established values in all their actions and decisions. A leader’s behavior should set the tone for the entire organization, and influence employees to follow suit.

Encourage open communication

First of all, make sure to clearly communicate the company’s core values to all through orientations, training sessions, internal communications, and whatever means available.

Additionally, be transparent in communication . Always keep employees informed about any changes, challenges, and successes. This type of transparent communication will build trust and reinforce the organization’s commitment to its values.

It’s clear that integrity in the workplace is essential for several reasons.

It builds trust among employees, clients, and partners and that trust, in turn, leads to a positive work environment, enhanced collaboration, increased productivity, and more. Additionally, integrity upholds ethical behavior, helping individuals to make principled decisions even when they’re faced with challenging situations.

Ultimately, this ethical foundation will ensure legal compliance, prevent conflict, and even contribute to an organization’s long-term success and reputation. Integrity will shape a workplace culture that values honesty, fairness, and accountability, all of which will lead to higher employee morale, stakeholder trust, and a better competitive edge.

So embrace integrity as a guiding principle in your organization. Lead by example and be the force that helps demonstrate integrity in your decisions and actions. 

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113 Integrity Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

Inside This Article

Integrity is a fundamental value that is essential in every aspect of our lives. It is the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles, and it is something that should be upheld in all situations, whether personal or professional. Writing an essay on integrity can be a great way to explore this important concept and reflect on how it impacts our lives.

To help you get started, here are 113 integrity essay topic ideas and examples that you can use as inspiration for your writing:

• The importance of integrity in leadership
• How integrity shapes our relationships with others
• The role of integrity in building trust
• Integrity as a key component of personal character development
• The consequences of lacking integrity in the workplace
• How integrity can help us overcome challenges and obstacles
• Integrity and its impact on decision-making
• Integrity in the digital age: navigating ethical dilemmas online
• The connection between integrity and self-respect
• How integrity can lead to success and fulfillment in life
• Integrity as a guiding principle in journalism and media
• The influence of integrity on social justice and equality
• Integrity in sports: the importance of fair play and honesty
• The role of integrity in academic integrity and ethics
• How integrity can help us maintain our values and beliefs in the face of adversity
• The relationship between integrity and accountability
• Integrity and the pursuit of truth and justice
• Integrity in healthcare: the importance of ethical conduct and patient trust
• The impact of integrity on organizational culture and values
• How integrity can help us navigate ethical dilemmas in our personal lives
• Integrity and the power of moral courage
• The connection between integrity and reputation
• Integrity and its role in building strong communities and societies
• How integrity can help us build strong and lasting relationships
• Integrity in the legal profession: the importance of ethical conduct and justice
• The influence of integrity on personal growth and development
• Integrity as a foundation for ethical leadership and decision-making
• The consequences of compromising integrity for personal gain
• Integrity and the pursuit of excellence in all aspects of life
• How integrity can help us build a sense of purpose and meaning
• Integrity and the importance of honesty and transparency in relationships
• The role of integrity in upholding social norms and values
• Integrity in politics: the importance of ethical conduct and accountability
• The impact of integrity on our mental health and well-being
• Integrity and the pursuit of happiness and fulfillment
• How integrity can help us overcome biases and prejudices
• Integrity in education: the importance of academic honesty and integrity
• The connection between integrity and loyalty
• Integrity and the power of forgiveness and redemption
• Integrity in the military: the importance of ethical conduct and honor
• The influence of integrity on our sense of identity and self-worth
• Integrity and the pursuit of social justice and equality
• Integrity in the workplace: the importance of ethical conduct and professionalism
• The consequences of compromising integrity in our personal and professional lives
• Integrity and the pursuit of personal and professional growth
• How integrity can help us build strong and lasting friendships
• Integrity and the importance of ethical decision-making
• Integrity and the power of resilience and perseverance
• Integrity in business: the importance of ethical conduct and transparency
• The impact of integrity on our sense of purpose and fulfillment
• Integrity and the importance of honesty and integrity in relationships
• The role of integrity in upholding moral values and principles
• Integrity and the pursuit of justice and equality
• How integrity can help us overcome obstacles and challenges in life
• Integrity in healthcare: the importance of ethical conduct and patient care
• The consequences of compromising integrity for personal gain and success
• Integrity and the pursuit of excellence in all areas of life
• Integrity and the power of personal growth and development
• Integrity in leadership: the importance of ethical conduct and accountability
• The influence of integrity on our sense of identity and self-respect
• Integrity in politics: the importance of ethical conduct and transparency
• The impact of integrity on our mental and emotional well-being
• The connection between integrity and loyalty and trust
• Integrity in business: the importance of ethical conduct and professionalism

These 113 integrity essay topic ideas and examples can help you explore the concept of integrity from different perspectives and think critically about its implications in various aspects of our lives. Whether you are writing an essay for school, work, or personal reflection, these topics can serve as a starting point for a meaningful and insightful discussion on the importance of integrity and its impact on our values, beliefs, and actions.

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How to practice integrity in the workplace and beyond.

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Shirin Etessam is the founder of OML TV , an entrepreneur and transformational speaker. Her first book will be released in June 2023.

They say, “Integrity is doing the right thing when no one is looking,” which I think is spot on but incomplete. The Oxford dictionary has two definitions of integrity :

1. The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness.

2. The state of being whole and undivided.

We’re all familiar with the first definition of being morally upright. It’s when we’re able to show up as a good parent, neighbor, leader, employee—a good human being overall. It seems easy to understand, but living life with integrity takes daily practice, commitment, authenticity and diligence.

If we ask a thousand people whether they want to live a life of integrity or not, chances are a thousand of them would say yes. Because really, who wouldn’t want that? It’s like asking people if they want to be healthy or not. We all try, but it’s just that sometimes our integrity slips. And some people, for whatever reason, seem to lack integrity altogether. Why? My suspicion is that it has much to do with the second meaning—or lack thereof.

The State Of Being Whole And Undivided

The second definition of integrity may seem abstract, almost poetic, but what it means is quite simple: We’re whole and undivided when what we think, what we feel and what we do are in alignment. The moment one of these sticks out and opposes the other two, we’re “divided” within ourselves and no longer in full integrity.

Let’s say you’re very kind to your employees (what you do), but you’re often frustrated with them (what you feel) because they’re incompetent (what you think). Externally, you are kind and good to your employees. On the surface, anyone can say you’re a good boss. Internally, it’s a different story because you really don’t think they’re good enough. You find yourself frustrated with them and yet say or do nothing to change the circumstances. Sometimes, you may even find yourself venting about them to your family or friends just to blow off some steam or laugh it off. How you act with your employees is not in alignment with what you truly feel and think, so you’re actually at odds with them and with yourself.

How To Bridge The Divide

First and foremost, kudos to you for being kind despite your frustrations. Acting out of frustration is reactionary and can be harmful. Choosing to be kind is powerful. Don’t change that part. But if you want to live a life with full integrity, how you act and what you do have to be in alignment with how you feel and think to achieve the state of being whole and undivided.

There is a Buddhist saying, “Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth.” The example above will ultimately be hard to maintain because what you’re feeling inside will eventually show. So instead of maintaining, let’s make a shift.

Here’s how you can align what you feel, what you think and what you do:

1. Acknowledge how you think and feel.

Again, if you’re doing the right thing externally but you’re conflicted internally, you are divided and not whole. You can call it something else but it is not integrity. It can’t be.

It’s that pang in your gut when you acquiesce to a colleague so that you don’t upset the company culture or by working yourself to the ground when you know it is not healthy for you or for your loved ones. When you feel the pang or negative feelings, don’t dismiss them. Instead, acknowledge them. They are clues to how you can live your life in full integrity, undivided.

Say you are feeling guilty because of X, or you are feeling angry because of X. Ask yourself: What can I do to feel less guilty? What can I do to feel less angry? Acknowledgment allows for definition, and once something is defined, it can no longer hide in obscurity. You can choose to ignore it, but then you know and are aware that you are acting against your integrity.

2. Express and negotiate.

Once you’ve acknowledged a truth about yourself, not expressing it to those who need to hear it is considered withholding, and if you are withholding your truth, you are not living with integrity. Simply put, if something is off, do something about it.

Living a life in full integrity requires expression. You’re expressing something because you want what is best for yourself and for others. And that expression often takes courage and trust.

Once you’ve expressed your truth, allow space for others to express theirs. Their truth may be hard to hear, but you will have it, and you can choose what to do with it. The healthiest relationships of any kind are those that have a balance of give and take, negotiating and creating new agreements.

3. Make necessary adjustments.

Think of ways to further bridge the divide. In the example above, instead of pretending to be OK, make it a point to be OK. How do you do that? You do so by directly addressing your frustration. Namely, your employees’ performance. It’s simple enough to say, “They’re incompetent,” and leave it at that, but to truly shift the situation and outcome, you have to alter your relationship with them.

When you understand the issues that have been holding your employees back, you can then concentrate on the issues and not your employees. You can try to set up training workshops, automate certain processes, find ways to mediate or mitigate conflicts between your employees, etc. This allows your employees to do their best and improve.

Now being kind to your employees (what you do) is aligned with appreciation (what you feel) because you know they are doing their very best (what you think). You have become the full definition of integrity.

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Integrity in the Workplace: Definition, importance, and examples

A reputable workplace looks for jobseekers with several qualities. Integrity is at the top of the list for many employers. Whether you're a new or long-standing employee, you should always have integrity. Here's what this guide will cover: 

• What is integrity in the workplace?  
• Why is workplace integrity important?  
• How to demonstrate integrity in the workplace  
• Examples of workplace integrity  
• Examples of poor workplace integrity  

Promoting workplace integrity  

Conclusion  , what is integrity in the workplace  .

Integrity is the practice of having strong moral principles and ethical values. It means being honest, reliable, transparent, accountable, and disciplined. If you're a job seeker looking for your next opportunity, showing integrity in your interviews can go a long way. This is a quality employers desire in the workplace. A workplace with integrity fosters a positive workplace and company culture and enhances teamwork and  collaboration . 

Here are some common traits of someone demonstrating integrity in the workplace:  

Responsible 

If you've integrity, you feel responsible for your actions. If you do something wrong, you immediately take accountability and own up to your mistakes. This shows the employer that you have a sense of ownership. This is a necessary trait to have, as employers often look for responsible job seekers when hiring for a new position. 

It's always good to offer a helping hand whenever needed. You also set an excellent example for others to follow. Employers might see this as an ideal trait as it shows you value teamwork and want to see others succeed. It also helps everyone in the team to work towards a common goal.  

Trustworthy 

If you've integrity, you may be someone everyone can rely on. You follow up on your commitments and complete all your tasks within their deadlines. People around you also feel more comfortable sharing their concerns or personal information when you're trustworthy.  

Hardworking 

A workplace may prefer to hire someone who believes in hard and honest work. If you're a hardworking person, you come to work on time and strive to meet all your goals for the day before you check out. This is a great quality as it assures employers that you can take on challenging tasks and complete them on time.  

It's always important to be patient in the workplace, as you may have to face challenges or obstacles unexpectedly. You need to take a step back, breathe, and work towards addressing them one after another. You can also try approaching the problem as multiple small problems you need to solve. This is less stress-inducing, and the progress becomes easier to measure.  

Why is workplace integrity important?  

Integrity in the workplace can be beneficial for everyone. Everyone wants to feel at peace at their workplace. Here's why demonstrating professional integrity is important: 

Positive work culture 

Integrity in the workplace improves teamwork and collaboration, which promotes a positive work culture. When the team succeeds, everyone succeeds. It fosters trust between the employees and the management and builds a strong sense of community at work.  

High retention rate 

Workplaces that don't have integrity may suffer from a low retention rate. This is due to trust issues between employees and a lack of togetherness. In contrast, employees with integrity often work together with patience and perseverance to get the work done. They enjoy the challenging work environment and prefer to be around people who share the same core values as they do. 

Ethical work environment 

Employees with high levels of integrity are more likely to make ethical decisions, follow company policies, and maintain confidentiality. They respect their company values and do their best to follow the code of conduct. An ethical work environment can develop with the help of employees who ​practise​​​ integrity and are disciplined.  

Dedicated team 

A workplace with integrity promotes dedication among the employees. The success in such an environment is that of the team and not limited to an individual. This also helps foster a sense of belonging and motivates employees to work towards a common goal. The core principle in such a workplace is that of collaboration and not competition.  

How to demonstrate integrity in the workplace   

Whether you're working in a small business or a large corporation, the way you exhibit your integrity can impact the entire workplace. Here are some steps you can take to demonstrate integrity in the workplace and help develop a positive company culture: 

Acknowledge your colleagues 

If you see someone working hard, you should acknowledge their effort. This can boost their morale and make them feel seen. You can also provide constructive feedback to help them improve in certain areas. This will also encourage other team members to do the same.  

Take responsibility for your actions 

It's not often that you see someone owing up to their mistakes. You should take responsibility for your actions, as this shows that you have integrity. The hard part is admitting that you did something wrong. Being accountable shows the employer that you own up instead of making excuses or blaming others for a mistake.  

Communicate openly and honestly 

Communication  is the key to success in any workplace. Employees who communicate honestly and employers who are transparent with their team often make up a positive work culture. Everyone benefits equally from employees who communicate openly with each other. 

Respect the moral and ethical code 

When you enter your workplace, it's crucial that you follow the code set by the company. Listen carefully to what your seniors or supervisors have to say, as they're much more experienced. Also, make sure not to mix up your personal and professional life. This makes you more productive and efficient.  

Be a positive team player 

No one likes a person who wants to boss everyone around instead of helping them. A person with integrity is a team player who leads by example and works with their team members to ensure everyone succeeds. 

Respect others' opinions 

Respect the opinions of your coworkers even if they don't relate to your own. You must help them feel heard and that their views are valid, even if you disagree. Be respectful to the chain of command. This helps create a respectful workplace.  

Care for company property 

People can be liable for property damage if they don't care for their workplace's property. It's important to care for company property as you would care for your own. Respecting your workplace is a sign of your high integrity. 

Be ready to work 

To demonstrate integrity in your working environment and lead your team by example. Be ready to take on challenging problems in the workplace. If you're in a mid-level or senior position, learn to delegate tasks and resources optimally. Work along with your team to make the project a success. If you're at a junior level, practise active listening and follow your seniors' guidance at every step of the project. Be ready to put in the effort required to finish your tasks on or before time.  

Examples of workplace integrity   

Here are examples of workplace integrity to better understand how you can work on demonstrating integrity at work: 

Protecting confidentiality 

If someone trusts you with their personal information, keep it to yourself instead of spreading it around. Inform your supervisors if you come across confidential information, such as documents or data. This shows your colleagues and employers that you have integrity. 

For example, your supervisor leaves their performance reviews on their desk, and you happen to look at them as you're searching for another document they asked for. Rather than sharing this confidential information with your colleagues and discussing its contents, you should keep the information to yourself. You may also alert them so they can file it in their desk or cabinet.  

Taking responsibility 

One of the hardest things to do is owning up to your mistakes and taking responsibility for your actions. Owning up to your mistakes can improve how others perceive you. Your colleagues are likely to appreciate your honesty and transparency. 

Let's look at an example of this situation. Let's say your senior assigns you the task of handling sensitive data. Say, while you're working on it, you end up writing code that accidentally deletes some critical records. Rather than make excuses for the same,  take responsibility and assure them that you'll be extra careful the next time.  

Acknowledging coworkers 

In a busy workplace, it may be hard for employers to track every employee and  acknowledge their efforts during the day. If you see someone working hard but not receiving appreciation, help them feel seen and heard. This is especially important when you're at a senior level.  

Let's say you're having a busy week at work where everyone has specific tasks and deadlines to meet. You notice that the interns are putting in additional effort to complete the tasks, so you let them know that they're doing a really good job. This keeps them motivated throughout the day and encourages them to work towards completing their tasks on time.  

Facing challenges 

You're bound to face obstacles and challenges in ​ some way at your workplace. Face​​​ these challenges headfirst to set a good example and show that you have integrity in the workplace. This can improve your image in front of your coworkers as well. 

For example, you're leading a development project client. The client has strict timelines, and you have a resource crunch. The challenge now is to complete all the tasks on time without compromising on quality. You can show integrity in this instance by communicating the project's challenges to the client and explaining why a specific component might take additional time to develop. You can also mention that you'd provide daily updates on the task at hand so they know the progress.  

Examples of poor workplace integrity   

Let's look at some examples of poor workplace integrity better to understand how to avoid presenting your values in a bad light: 

Blaming team members 

Blaming your teammates for a mistake you committed is always seen poorly. Blame can also foster a hostile work culture for the entire team. Let's say the previous example where the team lead had assigned you the task of handling client data. However, you made a mistake in the code and that resulted in data loss. Instead of taking responsibility, you blame another team member for their part of the code. This not only results in a loss of trust but also sets a bad ​precedent​​​ for the team.  

Damaging company property 

If you damage company property, others may perceive you as someone without respect for the workplace. You may even lose your job or face a suspension without pay. For example, your manager told you to use the company computer only for work-related tasks. However, you decide to install third-party software to carry out your personal tasks. This ends up corrupting your system, and you lose sensitive information related to an important project.  

Rather than using company equipment for personal use, you can ask your supervisor for some time to attend to your personal tasks and then make up for that by working additional hours the next day to complete your assigned tasks.  

Participating in unethical practices 

Safety protocols exist for a reason, and ignoring them can have serious consequences. For example, you work on a production line that works around heavy machinery. Safety practices state to never reach past a certain point to grab materials and to wait instead for the materials to come down the line. You decide to reach past this point anyway, and a supervisor sees you do this. This can result in penalties like a warning or immediate termination. 

Rather than participating in this unethical practice, understand why the rules are there in the first place. Often, there is a good reason, even if it slows down a process. 

It's important to lead by example to ensure that your colleagues continue to have integrity in the workplace. Here are some ways that people in  leadership positions can establish, improve, and encourage integrity in the workplace: 

Lead by example 

Leading by example is one of the best ways to promote integrity in the workplace. If you want your team to have integrity in the working environment, you must first have it yourself; the rest will follow ​your example. For example, arrive at the office on time every day. This sets a great example​​​ for others to follow.  

Implement training programs 

If your workplace employs a large number of people, setting up training programmes or workshops is the best way to train them and communicate the importance of integrity in the workplace. You can also have sessions that teach them other skills, such as communication,  teamwork , discipline, and patience. Participate in these meetings yourself rather than sending out courses to your team to complete.  

Report unethical behaviour 

While people may not like a manager who reports on their team members, sometimes doing so can show employees that you're serious about integrity in the workplace. If someone from your team is constantly acting against company policies despite several warnings, it may be best to report them to higher management.  

Integrity in the workplace can significantly benefit a company's policies by fostering a positive work environment and promoting open, honest communication and teamwork. This also leads to better trust and working relationships with supervisors and peers, and they're more likely to perform to the best of their abilities every day. 

​​Companies and managers are responsible for ensuring that training workshops are introduced and that everyone participates. Team leaders and managers should also demonstrate workplace integrity and lead​​​ by example for the other employees in the company. 

Here are some frequently asked questions about workplace integrity: 

• How does workplace integrity contribute to employee morale and job satisfaction?   ⁠Workplace integrity fosters a positive work culture through open communication and teamwork. This helps boost employee morale and ​improve job satisfaction. Over time, it results in a more open and positive team​​​.  
• What are some examples of unethical behaviour in the workplace?   ⁠Damaging company ⁠property, blaming other team members for your mistakes, revealing someone's personal information, not following company policy or disrespecting authority are some examples of unethical behaviour in the workplace. 
• How can leaders and managers set an example for integrity in the workplace?   ⁠Leaders and managers should come to work on time and work transparently with their team members. They should respect company policies and ethical principles, such as the opinions of their colleagues in the workplace. This is especially impactful for juniors and new team members and encourages them to ​practise​​​ the same.  
• How is a code of ethics or conduct typically enforced?   ⁠Companies typically enforce a code of ethics by adding it to the employee contract or conducting training programmes regularly. This approach ensures that employees understand and abide by the moral and ethical code of the company. 
• How do employers handle employee misconduct?     ⁠There is a thorough inquiry process that is fair to both the company and the employee. If an employee is found guilty, employers usually downgrade the employee's position, suspend without pay, or terminate employment without notice. They can also file a police complaint depending on the extremity of the misconduct.

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Integrity in the Workplace: Definition, importance, and examples

A reputable workplace looks for job seekers with several qualities. Integrity is at the top of the list for many employers. Whether you're a new or ​long-standing​ employee, you should always have ​​integrity. It’s a soft skill many employers look for to help create a dependable and honest work environment. Here's what this guide will cover: 

• What is integrity in the workplace?  
• Why is workplace integrity important?  
• How to demonstrate integrity in the workplace  
• Examples of workplace integrity  
• Examples of poor workplace integrity  

Promoting workplace integrity  

Conclusion  , what is integrity in the workplace.

Integrity is the practice of having high moral principles and  ethical values . It involves being honest, reliable, transparent, and accountable. If you're a job seeker looking for your next opportunity, showing integrity in your interviews can go a long way. This is a quality that is desirable in every workplace. A workplace that has integrity fosters a positive work culture and enhances teamwork and collaboration. 

Here are some common traits of someone with high integrity: 

Responsible 

If you have integrity, you feel responsible for your actions. If you do something wrong, you immediately take accountability and own up to your mistakes. This is a necessary trait to have, as employers often look for responsible job seekers when hiring for a new position. 

It's always good to offer a helping hand whenever needed. If you're helpful in the workplace, you have integrity. Employers might see this as an ideal trait as it shows you value teamwork and want to see others succeed. 

Trustworthy 

If you have integrity, you may be a person who everyone can rely on. You follow up on your commitments and complete all your tasks within their deadlines. People can go to you with personal and  confidential information , as they trust that you won't leak it or share it with anyone in the workplace. 

Hardworking 

A workplace may prefer to hire someone who displays that they're a hard worker. If you're a hardworking person, you come to work on time and strive to meet all your goals for the day before you check out. This can have a positive impact on your employers.  

It's always important to be patient in the workplace, as you may have to face challenges or obstacles unexpectedly. You need to take a step back, breathe, and go through every obstacle one by one until you meet your goal. This indicates a sense of integrity.  

Why is workplace integrity important?   

​​The importance of integrity in the workplace cannot be understated. It offers plenty of benefits​ for everyone​, as it provides​ peace ​in​ the workplace. Here's why demonstrating professional integrity is important: 

Positive work culture 

Workplace integrity improves teamwork and collaboration, which promotes a  positive work culture . When the team succeeds, everyone succeeds. It fosters trust among employees and their employers and builds a strong community at work. 

High retention rate 

Workplaces that ​lack​ integrity may suffer from low  retention rates ​. Employees who have integrity want to stay with a company through thick and thin. They enjoy the work environment and prefer to be around people who share the same core values as they do. 

Ethical work environment 

Employees with high levels of integrity are more likely to make ethical decisions, follow company policies, and maintain confidentiality. They respect their workplace and do their best to follow the code of conduct. An ethical work environment can develop with the help of employees with integrity. 

Dedicated team 

A workplace with integrity promotes dedication among the employees. Everyone feels a special connection with their team for showing integrity. They often aim to be as dedicated as possible to their work so that they can all succeed together rather than as individuals.  

How to demonstrate integrity in the workplace   

Whether you're working in a small business or a large corporation, how you show your integrity can impact the entire workplace. Here are some steps you can take to demonstrate integrity in the workplace and help develop a positive company culture: 

Acknowledge your colleagues 

If you see someone working hard, you should acknowledge their effort. This can boost their morale and make them feel seen. If you see someone not getting the credit they deserve, it's important to speak up and acknowledge them. 

Take responsibility for your actions 

It's not often that you see someone owing up to their mistakes. You should take responsibility for your actions, as this shows that you have integrity. The hard part is admitting that you did something wrong. Everything falls into place after that, and you feel a weight lifted off you. 

Communicate openly and honestly 

Communication is the key to success in any workplace. Employees who communicate honestly and employers who are transparent with their team often make up a positive work culture. Everyone benefits equally from employees who communicate openly with each other. 

Respect the moral and ethical code 

When you enter your workplace, it's crucial that you follow the code set by the company. Even if you disagree with the company's code and ethical guidelines, you should still respect them. This shows that you have integrity and can separate your personal life from your work life. 

Be a positive team player 

No one likes a person who wants to boss everyone around instead of helping them. A person with integrity is a team player who leads by example and works with their team members to ensure that everyone succeeds together. 

Respect others' opinions 

Respect the opinions of your coworkers even if they don't relate to your own. You must help them feel heard and that their opinions are valid, even if you don't agree with them. 

Care for company property 

People can be liable for property damage if they don't care for their workplace's property. It's important to care for company property as you would care for your own. Respecting your workplace is a sign of your high integrity. 

Be ready to work 

To demonstrate integrity in your working environment and lead your team by example, you must be ready to work even in the early hours of the day. This helps foster strong work ethics and a positive attitude in your team. 

Examples of workplace integrity   

Here are ​examples of integrity in the workplace​ to better understand how you can work on demonstrating integrity at work: 

Protecting confidentiality 

If someone trusts you with their personal information or if you accidentally come across some confidential documents, keep it to yourself instead of spreading it around the workplace. This shows your colleagues and employers that you have integrity. 

For example, your supervisor leaves their performance reviews on their desk​,​ and you see them as you're searching for another document they asked for. Rather than telling others about the confidential information and how your peers are doing, you can keep the information to yourself. Another consideration is to tell your supervisor that you saw the reviews so they can improve their skills at keeping documents organized and filed away. 

Taking responsibility 

One of the hardest things to do is owning up to your mistakes and taking responsibility for your actions. Owning up to your mistakes can improve how others perceive you. Your colleagues are likely to appreciate your honesty and transparency. 

Let's look at an example of this situation. Say you have a deadline for an important project, and you don't have a crucial report done, which makes you miss the project's deadline. Rather than make excuses for the incomplete report, take responsibility and ensure that this doesn't happen again. 

Acknowledging coworkers 

In a busy workplace, it may be hard for employers to track every employee and acknowledge their efforts during the day. If you see someone who is working hard but isn't receiving appreciation, help them feel seen and heard. 

Let's say you're having a busy week at work where everyone has specific tasks and deadlines to meet. You notice that your colleagues aren't receiving thanks for their hard work, so you let them know that they're doing a really good job. This promotes a positive work environment and helps other team members feel valued for their efforts. 

Facing challenges 

You're bound to face obstacles and challenges in ​some way​ at your workplace. ​Face​ these challenges headfirst to set a good example and show that you have integrity in the workplace. This can improve your image in front of your coworkers as well. 

For example, you are helping manage a project by creating a budget within set financial constraints. Each part of the project has a strict budget, but one part exceeds the set amount. The challenge now is to fit the rest of the project into a smaller budget. You can show integrity in this instance by communicating the project's challenges and explaining why a part of the project exceeded the budget allowance. 

Examples of poor workplace integrity

Let's look at some examples of poor workplace integrity better to understand how to avoid presenting your values in a bad light: 

Blaming team members 

One of the worst things you can do at your workplace is to blame your team members if something goes wrong. Blame can also foster a hostile work culture for the entire team. Let's say that one team member was responsible for updating the management about a project. However, they forgot to do so, and management came to you for an explanation. Instead of taking responsibility, you blame the team member who forgot. 

Instead of blaming the team member, acknowledging how important the update is and discussing a time for a new update meeting can help resolve the situation. This also reinforces your integrity and problem-solving skills. 

Damaging company property 

If you damage company property, others may perceive you as someone who has no respect for the workplace. You may even lose your job or face a suspension without pay. For example, your manager told you to use the company computer only for work-related tasks. However, you decide to use it for personal use, and now the computer has a virus that deletes much of the company's production data for the day. 

Rather than using company equipment for personal use, you can ask your supervisor for some additional tasks if you have extra downtime. Another solution is to use your personal device on your personal time, such as during a break or lunchtime. 

Participating in unethical practices 

Safety protocols exist for a reason, and ignoring them can have severe consequences. For example, you work on a production line that works around heavy machinery. Safety practices state to never reach past a certain point to grab materials and to wait​ instead​ for the materials to come down the line. You decide to reach past this point anyway​,​ and a supervisor sees you do this. This can result in penalties like a warning or immediate termination. 

Rather than taking part in this unethical practice, understand why the rules are there in the first place. Oftentimes, there is a good reason​,​ even if it slows down a process. 

It's important to lead by example to ensure that your colleagues continue to have integrity in the workplace. Here are some ways that leaders and managers can establish, improve, and maintain integrity in the workplace: 

Lead by example 

Leading by example is one of the best ways you can promote integrity in the workplace. You're a role model to your team, and they may follow your advice. If you want your team to have integrity in the working environment, you must first have it yourself​; ​the rest is likely to follow. 

Implement training programs 

If your workplace employs a large number of people, setting up training programs or workshops is the best way to train them all to have workplace integrity. These programs can also teach them other skills that relate to integrity, such as communication and how to report an incident. 

Report unethical behavior 

While nobody likes a manager who reports on their team members, sometimes doing so can show employees that you're serious about integrity in the workplace. If someone from your team is constantly acting against company policies despite several warnings, it may be best to report them. 

Integrity in the workplace can significantly benefit a company's policies by fostering a positive work environment and promoting open, honest communication and teamwork. Employees may have a better relationship with their managers, and they're more likely to perform to the best of their abilities every day. 

It's the responsibility of companies and managers to ensure that they implement training workshops and everyone participates. Team leaders and managers should also show workplace integrity, leading by example for the other employees in the company. 

Here are some frequently asked questions about workplace integrity: 

• How does workplace integrity contribute to employee morale and job satisfaction?   ⁠Workplace integrity fosters a positive work culture through open communication and teamwork. This helps boost employee morale and improves job satisfaction.  ⁠
• What are some examples of unethical behavior in the workplace?   ⁠Damaging company property, blaming other team members for your mistakes, and leaking personal information are just some examples of unethical behavior in the workplace.  ⁠
• How can leaders and managers set an example for workplace integrity?   ⁠Leaders and managers should come to work on time and work transparently with their team members. They should respect company policies and ethical principles, such as the opinions of their colleagues in the workplace.  ⁠
• How is a code of ethics or conduct typically enforced?   ⁠Companies typically enforce a code of ethics by adding it to the employee contract or conducting training programs regularly. This ethical approach ensures that employees understand and learn to follow the moral and ethical code.  

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Integrity: What it is and Why it is Important

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What Does Integrity Mean in the Workplace?

Having integrity generally means you uphold high moral standards in everyday life. If a cashier gives you too much change and they don’t realize, you let them know so they can correct the mistake. 

In the workplace, integrity relates to your behavior and actions in the office, store, or factory. These can range from simple things, like showing up at the time you’re supposed to, to more important traits—like keeping confidential information to yourself.

Having workplace integrity can also mean following your company’s ethical standards; the set of principles that outline its underlying values. 95% of businesses in a recent survey said, “integrity is one of their organizational values.” So, while companies may not ask if you have the trait in interviews, you know it’s important.

Here’s how you can become a person of integrity in your workplace with a strong moral compass.

1. Be There for Other Team Members

Not being a team player is one of the fastest ways to show a lack of integrity. Sure, it’s important to be able to manage your time and get through your own workload, but being a reliable colleague should be a priority too.

If you notice someone in your workplace looks anxious or stressed, ask if they’re alright. They may not want to talk about the issue, but you’ve given them the opportunity to unload.

Work relationships and friendships can make the experience more enjoyable for some. However, the number one reason 78% of employees give for loving their workplace is feeling valued and respected. You don’t have to form strong bonds with anyone in particular but try to treat everyone respectfully.

Even on busy days, it only takes a few minutes to lend an ear to a colleague who’s having a problem you can potentially help with. Otherwise, you can direct them to someone better fitted to the task. It’s a cliché but, quite simply, treat others how you’d like to be treated (because you may need it too someday.)

2. Try To Improve Your Work Ethic and Productivity

No one is born with a strong work ethic instilled. It develops due to a combination of:

• Work experience
• Social interaction

However, that doesn’t mean we can’t improve our current baseline. Having integrity also means constantly trying to better yourself; for your own personal growth and the benefit of your company.

Here are a few ways to improve your work ethic and productivity:

• Practice being present (meaningful participation, listening, and concentration)
• Follow through on your promises and meet deadlines
• Focus on the quality of your work
• Volunteer for extra tasks

Your morning routine before you get to work can also have an impact. So, make sure you get enough sleep, eat breakfast, and perhaps try meditating or exercising to get you in the right mindset.

From a leadership perspective, you should provide resources to help your employees achieve their goals in their current roles, as well as support for future development. It’s all about growing in tandem as an individual and a company.

3. Help Create a Positive Work Environment

Many people believe it is leadership’s role to create and enforce your company’s culture . While this is partly true, it’s down to each individual to get involved and grow it.

Everyone at every level can contribute to company culture. Here are three easy ways to get more involved in yours:

• Be willing to offer cover to those who need it (you will too)
• Celebrate the achievements of others
• Get to know your co-workers on a personal level

We’re humans, not robots, and everyone has off days—but you should still strive to be a dependable, friendly member of the team. So, try and bring your everyday moral principles to work with you, even when you don’t feel like it. 

Creating a positive work environment is a job for everyone in the company, so work together to make it enjoyable. Suggest ideas for team-building days or ways to brighten up the office; you never know what might be implemented. Even if not, it still shows you’re a team player who isn’t afraid to share suggestions to improve daily working life for all.

(Part of HR or leadership? Learn how to become a certified Most Loved Workplace today.)

4. Be Able To Be Trusted and Trust Others With Confidential Information

Being privy to confidential company information is a big responsibility, so a high level of integrity is expected. The importance is also heightened due to the potential legal ramifications of not following through.

Certain information is protected by law in many countries, including financial data or private information that identifies an individual. Sharing this with an unauthorized third party may not only jeopardize your reputation; it could be breaking the law. The importance of integrity, in this case, is so you comply with both legal and ethical guidelines around confidential company information.

On a more personal level, we all want to be the type of person our friends and family feel they can confide in. So, if a colleague tells you something in confidence, keep it to yourself. Effective teamwork is based on trust, and there’s no faster way to lose it than gossiping. If you wouldn’t say something you’ve heard to the person’s face, don’t say it behind their back.

5. Strive for Respectful, Open Communication

Whatever your role in your company, you can be part of creating a culture of open communication . It’s one of the easiest ways to inspire improved performance, boost employee morale, and create a warmer, more enjoyable place for everyone to work.

Teams with an open work style are 60% more likely to achieve more (faster) and 80% more likely to report high emotional well-being.

Here are a few tips to encourage open communication as a leader:

• Ask for continuous prompt feedback
• Arrange regular one-to-one meetings with those you are managing
• Have employees fill in anonymous surveys
• Hold employee exit interviews

You should always aim to respect others in the workplace and avoid getting involved in negative conversations about co-workers or employees. Be prepared to give honest feedback but share it in a kind, diplomatic manner. Furthermore, allow your team to speak freely and share ideas without reacting condescendingly.

6. Be Accountable for Your Mistakes

We’re all human, and we all make mistakes, but there’s nothing worse than someone who won’t admit when they are wrong—or even worse, blames others for their shortcomings. The way you handle and rectify any mistakes you make says a lot about your character. By owning up, you maintain your ethics.

It may hurt your ego, but one of the top examples of integrity in the workplace is taking responsibility for your own mishaps. If you can blame someone else and get away with it, you will lose the respect of others quickly. Owning up to your mistakes allows you to learn from them and ensure you don’t make the same ones in future.

Everyone has certain abilities, and while we can add to and improve these, there will always be certain skills we’ll never get the hang of. In this case, we shouldn’t be ashamed of what we can’t do; it’s better to ask for help rather than suffer in silence. 

Having integrity is being able to admit you’re struggling with a task without fear of embarrassment. It’s about letting go of our sense of self and working as a team for the greater company goal.

7. Always Display Trustworthiness and Dependability

Trustworthiness and dependability in the workplace mean that you can be counted on to get things done. Without trust, there is no teamwork or efficient collaboration, and lack of both of these will prevent your company from growing.

Everyone at every level should strive to be honest, open, and respectful.

Sure, you may not get on with everyone, but it’s important to give all those you work with the same level of respect. So, how can you display these important traits in the workplace?

Here are a few ideas:

• You can be counted on to meet deadlines
• You communicate honestly and transparently
• You go above and beyond to help others
• You keep your promises

You don’t need to be a perfect employee or leader; no one is asking for that. However, you should always be someone people can trust and count on.

8. Align With Company Values at All Times

Company policy guides everyone’s behavior and actions to create a safe, pleasant working environment. You may think that banning phone calls for personal use may make your employees more productive. However, it could have the opposite effect. On the other hand, the right company values can help keep employees engaged and motivated.

So, how do you align your values with employee engagement?

• Consult all levels of employees when creating company values
• Encourage purpose rather than process
• Prioritize community in your organization
• Encourage collaboration wherever possible with a common purpose

You want to share your thoughts and goals with your staff at all levels. If they feel involved in the process, it’s more likely you’ll have a seamless flow. Your frontline workers set the tone for the entire company, so make sure everyone is on board with your core values and brand mission. 

In the case of others, if you know that a colleague isn’t following these values (especially by engaging in something serious like theft or bullying), you have a duty to report this unethical behavior.

9. Set a Good Example (Be a Role Model for Everyone)

It doesn’t take much to be a positive example in your workplace, but it’s sometimes just as easy to become lazy. Everyone in the company should live the culture, from the CEO to the most junior roles on the team. If you’ve been part of a company for several years, remember, you represent that business best.

You don’t need to walk around the office constantly smiling (unless you work at Disneyland), but you can still be a role model for others. Say a junior employee comes to you for career advice, be friendly, and set aside some time for them—even if you’re too busy to do it right when they ask. 

Here are some more examples of setting both good and bad examples in the workplace:

These are little things we can all work on to ensure we’re someone that others can look to when they’re struggling.

10. Be Willing To Work Hard and Bring Your True Self Every Day

Hard work can be stressful, sometimes dull, and tiring. However, having integrity means you always bring your true self to the workplace every day. This doesn’t mean always performing at your optimum level (that’s pretty much impossible), but it does mean being yourself and trying daily.

Integrity means putting in the effort, even if you can get away with doing the bare minimum—because that isn’t being true to yourself and your moral principles. 

If you need some motivation, here are some tips that can inspire you to work harder:

• Remember your reasons for being there (money to fund your lifestyle, aspiring for promotion, etc.)
• Surround yourself with other motivated, hard-working people
• Prioritize your health outside of work so you can bring your best self every day
• Break down big goals into lots of little ones and reward yourself along the way
• Find a mentor to help train or guide you

Working hard doesn’t just benefit your work life; it’ll also help you accomplish your goals and grow as a person.

11. Share Opinions but Keep Them Respectful

If you’re involved in decision-making or feel strongly about an incorrect one, then being honest about it is another example of integrity. However, using unprofessional language or raising your voice are not the ways to get your feelings across—this is also important if you are on the receiving end of feedback.

There are four key ways to respectfully disagree with people:

• Listen carefully and don’t put down other people’s opinion
• Don’t make it personal
• Use facts over opinion

It can also help to pick out something you agree with in the other person’s argument. For example, you might say, “I definitely agree with you that we need to look at improving our shipping times. However, what if we looked at it from this angle instead?” This way, you’re turning your idea into something collaborative and moving away from disagreement.

These eleven top examples of integrity in the workplace aren’t difficult to integrate into your routine. Although it may help to focus on one at a time, you may be doing several of them already without realizing.

Workplace integrity involves trying your best and being honest, trustworthy, and dependable. Yes, it means sharing your honest opinion but also doing it in a way that doesn’t escalate the conflict. Strive to be true to yourself and your ethical principles in your personal life too. This way, you’ll probably find these traits organically seep into your workplace routine. 

Now, which of these examples are you going to start working on first? 

To create a culture of integrity, get certified as a  Most Loved Workplace®  and receive enormous benefits such as data analysis, meaningful insights, additional certifications and list considerations, employer branding, and action planning. 

Louis Carter is the founder and CEO of Best Practice Institute , Most Loved Workplace , and Results-Based Culture. Author of In Great Company , Change Champions Field Guide , and Best Practices in Talent Management, as well as a series of Leadership Development books. He is a trusted strategic advisor and coach to CEOs, CHROs, and leaders of mid-sized to F500 companies – enabling change and steering employer brand development together with highly effective teams, leaders, and organizations as a whole.

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Home — Essay Samples — Life — Integrity — How Integrity is Effective in Our Professional Life

How Integrity is Effective in Our Professional Life

• Categories: Integrity

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Words: 998 |

Published: Jun 6, 2019

Words: 998 | Pages: 2 | 5 min read

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Introduction, works cited.

• Gabriel-Petit, P. (2017). 13 human qualities you must have to succeed in work and life. Smashing Magazine. https://www.smashingmagazine.com/2017/09/human-qualities-success-work-life/
• Ariely, D. (2012). The (honest) truth about dishonesty: How we lie to everyone—especially ourselves. HarperCollins.
• Covey, S. R. (2006). The speed of trust: The one thing that changes everything. Free Press.
• Kidder, R. M. (2005). How good people make tough choices: Resolving the dilemmas of ethical living. Harper Perennial.
• Resnick, R. (2019). Ethical standards and integrity: A foundation for success in the workplace. Nursing Forum, 54(1), 8-12. doi:10.1111/nuf.12313
• Treviño, L. K., & Brown, M. E. (2005). Ethical leadership: A review and future directions. The Leadership Quarterly, 16(6), 987-1010. doi:10.1016/j.leaqua.2005.10.001
• Appiah, K. A. (2010). The honor code: How moral revolutions happen. W. W. Norton & Company.
• Harris, R. (2011). Lying: A metaphorical memoir. W. W. Norton & Company.
• Palmer, K. S. (2012). Beyond integrity: A Judeo-Christian approach to business ethics. Zondervan.
• Mayer, R. C., Davis, J. H., & Schoorman, F. D. (1995). An integrative model of organizational trust. Academy of Management Review, 20(3), 709-734. doi:10.5465/amr.1995.9508080335

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10 Examples Showing Integrity in the Workplace

You’re not likely to see the phrase ‘candidate must have integrity’ listed under the essential requirements for a job listing, even though you should know that every employer automatically expects you to show integrity in your work. So, if you’re job hunting or just want to look good on your first day, you should familiarize yourself with integrity in the workplace.

In this article, our main aim is to help you understand the meaning of integrity, or doing the right thing in your professional life, and what it means regarding leadership and teamwork. Additionally, we mention multiple examples of integrity for personal use in the workplace and answer why it’s important to execute them regularly.

What is Integrity?

Integrity is the quality or state where people hold themselves to a high moral standard . In turn, they enforce their upstanding ethics regardless of surrounding circumstances.

In simpler words, integrity is to treat others how you would like them to treat you. It’s the idea that you’ll still behave honestly and befittingly even if no one is watching you.

What is Integrity in the Workplace?

High integrity applies itself in the workplace through the business relationships with those team members around you. It means you embody ethical principles and a positive work environment among your colleagues and in front of your employers.

How to Demonstrate Integrity in the Workplace

Below, we explore the importance of honesty and integrity examples in the workplace, how you can make it one of your strengths, and the best ways for business leaders to embody them:

Integrity and honesty go together, and neither can exist without the other. The example of honesty and integrity translates into being open with your colleagues and peers without taking advantage of either. It doesn’t mean passing along unnecessary comments or intentionally lying in the workplace.

Respect comes from intent listening. You can show your care and concern by keeping an open heart and mind, giving the person in front of you the benefit of the doubt.

You should constantly be respectful to your peers, subordinates, or fellow workers. Maintaining a respectable demeanor means you abstain from engaging in rude activities, such as eavesdropping and gossiping.

In short, an excellent example of respect is listening to others and asking thoughtful questions when necessary. Acting with respect sets an example and reduces reckless behavior.

3. Promise Keeping

A person of integrity keeps their promises. When you ask someone to get something done for you, and they promise they’ll have it done, but they don’t, it shows a lack of integrity. This vicious cycle repeats itself several times before you regret asking for their help.

We’ve all been there, so imagine doing the same thing to others? It’s not good for anyone in the workplace to be unreliable, and they’ll soon become a liability rather than an asset.

In other words, your peers won’t think twice before laying off someone who can’t stick to their word. To avoid this, give promises you know you can keep, and when you know you can’t, perhaps make a simple phone call, be honest, and say why.

4. Trustworthiness

Building the fundamental value of trust in the workplace will depend on how responsible and reliable you are. You don’t need to become close friends with everyone you work with to gain their trust; there are easier ways to do this.

When earning the respect of a trustworthy person, your actions must speak for you—keeping to your promises, having high ethical standards, and holding yourself accountable when at fault are good places to start.

Since trust can be fragile, the best policy is to continue reinforcing it with a positive attitude and absolute commitment.

5. Reliability

If an employer can’t rely on their employee to get the job done, why keep them ? An employee who needs someone constantly watching over them to ensure they’re doing what they’ve been tasked with is no good.

That’s why reliability is necessary for having integrity in the workplace. It’s taking the time to listen to others’ requests and promptly respond to them.

Not just that, but being reliable also means that your colleagues, potential employees, and peers can count on you to accommodate their needs whenever convenient for you.

6. Responsibility

Responsibility is an essential factor in having a job. No matter how simple your tasks seem, you are responsible for them alone.

A lack of responsibility is evident when you mindlessly carry out jobs. Doing so shows how irresponsible you are and breaks the trust you’ve built with your colleagues and peers.

Being responsible goes hand in hand with acting in a reliable and trustworthy manner. It tells your managers that they can entrust you with more responsibility if they ever need to.

Pride typically connotes arrogance or a sense of entitlement. However, pride here suggests your expectations of yourself and your teammates.

Simply put, pride is that feeling you get when you’ve poured your heart into a project and watched it become a significant success. A sensation you only get when you know you’ve gone through considerable efforts to achieve such work.

Having pride in the workplace also entails that you care about the outcomes of your job, and it means you appreciate those who demonstrate enthusiasm and commitment when working with you.

10 Key Examples Showing Integrity in the workplace

A high level of integrity encompasses the seven elements above, and now remains the question: how can you exhibit these pillars where you work?

Below, you’ll find the answer in the ten critical integrity in the workplace examples showing integrity in the workplace:

1. Put in the Hours

There’s an unspoken employee-employer agreement when it comes to working hours. Your peers expect you to adhere to your schedule; an example is not clocking out early when there’s no need to and not slacking off while on the job.

Fulfilling your daily commitment is an example of integrity because you’re also expected not to lie and take days off whenever you feel like it. Additionally, if you’re going to be late or won’t be able to come in , you should be honest and say why.

2. Deal with Conflict Properly

Work environments are never entirely free of conflict ; the trick is knowing how to face, manage, and deal with it properly while upholding the seven standards of integrity.

In other words, approach issues honestly, calmly, and respectfully. Figure out the root of the problem first, have open communication, listen to others, give positive criticism when necessary, and resolve the matter accordingly. Don’t be afraid to ask for help minimizing damages too.

3. Report Unethical Behavior

Humans are programmed to value their egos, which is why it’s not easy to tell on someone for behaving in defiance of company policies, mainly because we fear rejection or are too self-centered to be bothered by what others do.

Either way, this act defines what integrity is about, meaning you must report any corruption or a routinely dishonest employee to your higher-ups. Look at the bright side; your peers will recognize and reward your honest decorum.

4. Be Upfront About Your Shortcomings

The concept of integrity encourages us not to feel ashamed of what we don’t know or can’t do. Instead, it tells us to be upfront about our shortcomings, to own them rather than avoid them.

In the workplace, say something if you don’t understand how to do a delegated task. This way, you’re humanizing yourself and, in turn, most likely getting someone to help you.

5. Be Willing to Do Hard Work

Another integrity in the workplace example is when you are on company time; you aren’t standing on the sidelines and ordering others to get the work done for you. Even those in powerful positions should know you lose your subordinate’s respect if you’re never willing to do some work yourself.

A team leader with a bold attitude, strong work ethic, and who constantly shows initiative will thrive in any business. So, go into work with the willingness to buckle down and do whatever’s necessary to finish the job.

6. Take Accountability for Your Actions

We’ve established that a big part of having integrity is ridding yourself of your ego’s sense of shame. There’s no harm in saying sorry, with good communication skills and taking accountability for your actions when needed.

It’s dishonest to cover up your mistakes instead of admitting them, and it’s even worse to blame others or lie about it since it can severely damage your work relations. Rather, own up to your errors and show openness to constructive criticism.

7. Be a Team Player

Successful companies don’t owe their accomplishments to one individual; they thrive because of the collective efforts of the entity and how it works as a team.

As part of a bigger team, whether in a senior position or not, you’re counted on to fully cooperate with your colleagues for the betterment of the business. Working towards one’s selfish gains isn’t up to integrity standards. As a conscientious employee, you should know how to work with and listen to others.

8. Respect Others

Not all of us see the need to build friendships with everyone at work. Lack of meaningful relationships with coworkers makes us forget they’re humans too.

It would be best to show your sympathetic side to your colleagues by respecting them regardless of how well you know them and how close you work with them. Showing respect can come in many forms, such as listening to what they have to say and not belittling their opinions. It also means not talking behind their backs and showing them compassion.

9. Don’t Abuse Your Power

A person in power can find it easy to fire or ridicule a subordinate. However, a person with integrity understands that abusing their power contradicts the concept’s primary definition.

The statement ‘with great power comes great responsibility rings true even in the workplace. Putting yourself at the front of your team, standing up for them, and respecting their wishes means exercising your power well. Belittling your subordinates, however, is not.

10. Keep Morale Up

Morale is the most critical yet most delicate part of a company’s spirit, and it’s what brings all employees together and makes them want to remain loyal to the business.

As a result, keeping morale up is the best practice for executing integrity in the workplace. Implementing a system of frequent morale boosters isn’t too bad either. High morale benefits your employees, but it’ll also put you and your company in a favorable position for attacking top talent during the hiring process.

Bonus Example. Adhere to Company Policy

A company’s policies and human resources regulations are there for a reason; to enforce an image of uniformity and compliance. Employees who adhere to their workplace mode of conduct follow the seven pillars of integrity.

You’re also contractually obligated to stick to your company’s policies, so going against them will show your peers that you’re not an honest person. These regulations go down to dress code and office ethics, which should be followed too.

The Advantages of Having Integrity in the Workplace

Fostering the critical trait of workplace integrity rewards any business with a plethora of advantages, including:

• Increase in company production
• Strong inner relationships
• Positive employee experience
• Upholding an honorable company image
• A harmonious work environment
• High employee morale
• Creating multiple career advancement opportunities
• Recognition of hard work
• Personal integrity at work will also reflect positively on your personal life

Lack of Honesty and Integrity in the Workplace Examples

Here are five examples that show a lack of integrity in the workplace:

• You make everything about yourself and don’t consider others.
• You’re self-esteem rises and falls based on the opinion of others.
• You fail to do what you said you were going to do.
• You hide things.
• You make too many compromises.

How do you explain integrity in an interview?

Final thoughts on showing integrity at work.

Understanding what a high level of integrity is and applying the concept’s basic ideas to your work is essential for being an exemplary employee. Companies might not explicitly require it, but that’s only because it’s common sense to hold oneself with high integrity and respect. Make yourself look reliable in front of your peers by sticking to the critical examples of high integrity in the workplace mentioned above.

About Mark Matyanowski

As the founder of MatchBuilt, with over 18 years of recruiting and coaching experience and 8+ years in executive roles at a leading Fortune 100 company, I am deeply committed to guiding professionals in their career paths.

Our team at MatchBuilt offers expert support in enhancing resumes, optimizing LinkedIn profiles, and preparing for interviews. Our blog, drawing on our rich experience and industry insights, is a valuable resource for job seekers.

We take pride in successfully guiding job candidates to top-tier company roles while empowering individuals to achieve their career ambitions, irrespective of their background or educational level.

Retraction Watch

Tracking retractions as a window into the scientific process

Exclusive: Thousands of papers misidentify microscopes, in possible sign of misconduct

One in four papers on research involving scanning electron microscopy (SEM) misidentifies the specific instrument that was used, raising suspicions of misconduct, according to a new study. 

The work, published August 27 as a preprint on the Open Science Framework , examined SEM images in more than 1 million studies published by 50 materials science and engineering journals since 2010. 

Researchers found only 8,515 articles published the figure captions and the image’s metadata banners, both of which are needed to determine whether the correct microscope is listed in papers. Metadata banners usually contain important information about the experiments conducted, including the operating voltage of the microscope and the instrument’s model and parameters. 

Of these papers, 2,400 (28%) listed the wrong microscope manufacturer or model, raising questions about the integrity of the conducted research. 

“This is a very weird mistake to make,” says study coauthor Reese Richardson , a doctoral candidate at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. “It’s like if you wrote all of your code in your manuscript in R and then you said we used Python for all software development.”

For Richardson, there are telltale signs that suggest many of the images in question originate from the same source. For instance, captions in many different papers refer to using a Czech Hitachi instrument even though Hitachi is a Japanese company. 

“This is a sort of bizarre mistake,” Richardson said. “Yet it shows up repeatedly with the same author present on all of these articles. So this is just an instance where the author is reusing text over and over and over again.” What’s more, in many of these papers, the authors used an instrument from Tescan, not Hitachi, Richardson said, referring to two major manufacturers of the devices. 

The levels of misreporting the study found are “genuinely concerning,” said Angus Wilkinson, a materials scientist at the University of Oxford, in the U.K., and a part-time scientific sleuth , who was not involved with the new analysis. 

In some cases, articles with no authors in common nonetheless contained identical typos in the section describing the microscopes the researchers used. “It is pretty clear that these articles were generated or were synthesized at scale without regard for the actual results or the quality of the articles,” Wilkinson added. 

Many papers also misidentified figures as originating from “Amirkabir,” Richardson pointed out, yet none of the authors was affiliated with Amirkabir University of Technology in Tehran, Iran. “So it seems very likely that someone at Amirkabir University is just leasing out these images to be used by other people,” he said.

For many of the articles with the odd mistakes, Richardson and his team began to suspect misidentified microscopes were a sign of a manuscript originating from paper mills , which typically churn out bogus or plagiarized papers and sell author slots on them in exchange for a fee. 

Wilkinson agreed: “The majority of these cases probably are either poor-quality articles at best where that attention to detail has been lacking or indeed are fingerprints of paper mills.”

It’s technically possible researchers had more than one microscope in the lab and named the wrong one by mistake, noted Nick Wise, a fluid dynamics researcher at the University of Cambridge, in the U.K., whose sleuthing work has resulted in hundreds of retractions . But Wise also thinks a significant proportion of the 2,400 studies could be researchers blindly reusing figures that aren’t theirs. “It’s a symptom of academic fraud,” he said.

A key limitation of the study is its reliance on authors themselves revealing what instruments they used in figure captions and not cropping out relevant image metadata, Richardson said. 

But he doesn’t blame journals for the missing image metadata, as editors generally have cropped these out, often to make sure papers fit in print. This practice changed recently when the FAIR principles for scientific data were established, and Richardson said journals now play an important role in ensuring full documentation of image metadata. 

The researchers found only 43 of the 2,400 suspect papers had been flagged on PubPeer for other issues such as duplicated images, manipulated data and hand-painted graphs. 

Richardson said he believes many more of the papers would have ended up on the online forum if someone had scoured through them or run them through AI tools like ImageTwin that can identify integrity issues in figures of scientific manuscripts.

According to Richardson, some authors in the study sample made identical mistakes in the figure captions across several different studies. The most productive authors, who published hundreds of studies since 2010, got the SEM wrong 20% to 50% of the time, he said. 

“The most prolific author that made this mistake in their articles had done it more than three dozen times and they tended to publish very frequently in the same journals,” Richardson added, “as many as 16 times in the same journal in the same publication year, and a lot of these articles of theirs had already been flagged on PubPeer for other data integrity issues.”

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15 thoughts on “exclusive: thousands of papers misidentify microscopes, in possible sign of misconduct”.

Some of the blame is to be passed on to PIs as well. They encourage other researchers to do the work for the first author, without the author actually understanding why they need this data in the first place or how it has been collected. The author gets the data, but then in the hurry to publish, do not send a copy of the paper to all the co-authors for re-checks. If the PIs properly review the paper internally before submissions, they should be able to pick such common errors.

I would disagree here slightly. Even after the submission for peer review there are ample opportunities to change an incorrect figure, such as during peer review responses and when proofing the manuscript after acceptance. Even after the publication you can write an erratum. (But yes, of course I agree that the corresponding author should always contact all the authors before submission.)

Wow, this is some fantastic work. Completely expected, however, given the lack of familiarity with different microscopes and spectroscopy and how they work by the layperson. While it does seem possible some issues might arise from translation issues or potentially issues with the microscopes, like pirated software being used by 3rd party sellers on Amazon giving false metadata with potentially counterfeit labels on the products to appear like higher end equipment, even in that case it seems like a massive failure on the part of scientific rigor if not outright fraud and dishonesty. A recent article comes to mind, actually, where an anonymous researcher called foul on a paper for stolen images that had been deleted and I thought it sounded massively suspicious, but this makes me wonder if it was related to this, or that the images were originally deleted because of the connection to a University in Iran and the potential legal implications, which would explain why the researcher whose data was stolen chose to remain anonymous. Or perhaps because they worked for a paper mill like organization and had been screwed over by Mr. Saleh and were seeking to fire back. I bet these researchers are wishing they remained anonymous instead of paying to have their name attached to the equivalent of scientific garbage.

DISCLAIMER: This is just a speculation and should be treated as such.

Papermills have huge libraries of micrographs (we’ve seen this for blots, flow cytometries, tumors, etc.) On the other hand, they have text templates for Methods.

Well, they just put them together, along with other templated elements of the to-be article, without much care about the consistency between this and that.

As for the coverage (what fraction of misidentified SEMs the proposed method is flagging), one can compare with the comments by this PubPeer user: https://pubpeer.com/search?q=%22conidens+laticephalus%22 – most of their posts are about this very issue. The authors report 43 papers commented on PubPeer, so most of the misidentifications (~100) picked up by Conidens were not picked up.

Agreed, something resembling these mechanics is behind a lot of these manuscripts. At the very least, images and text are being lifted from different sources, hence the inconsistency.

As for Conidens laticephalus, they are indeed great at spotting this error! I should note that those PubPeer comments are only those that we identified as having errors among the articles published in the 50 journals we surveyed. Many of Conidens’ comments were outside of journals that we surveyed. For instance, we did not look at any ACS, MDPI, or RCS journals in our analysis.

In Figure 2E, we show that for the 45 existing comments about SEM identification in our existing set, our pipeline caught only 13 (28.9%). As a result, we believe our pipeline is missing around ~70% of identifiable cases. And of course, if the metadata banner is not present, it is impossible to know if the SEM has been misidentified in the first place.

I caught this during a review once. There were micrographs of samples at two different magnifications. In their response to the review, the authors tried to tell me that this was somehow a result. Then I dug into the metadata and found that they were taken on two different instruments eight years apart. I still don’t know if they were trying to stitch a paper together out of whatever old data they had on their hard drives, or if they bought the images. The manuscript was rejected.

SEM instrumentation is expensive and normally researchers employ core facilities for imaging. Quite often these facilities operate more than one instrument. SEM technicians provide the experimental details, including the information on the particular microscope used. It happens that they inadvertently misidentify the instruments. If both Tescan and Hitachi SEMs are used in a core facility, there is a chance of mixing them up. This does not invalidate the scientific significance of the images, though.

I suspect it’s more normally the researchers who aren’t including the technicians in writing the paper who are misidentifying the instruments used.

I’m guessing much of the problem relates to this. One would assume that the researcher would be present during the actual acquisition of the images by the technician, but often that is not the case. Also, not all SEMs are equal and more times than not a sample will migrate through different instruments from a W-source to a FEG either because the initial resolution wasn’t sufficient or a particular imaging detector was better on one instrument. I would guess that many samples sent to these centers are returned to the researcher with images collected from multiple instruments. The mistake of labeling could then occur at the center or by the PI.

Many researchers don’t have access to their own instrument which means they likely used a core facility for their images. This may simply be a miscommunication rathet than an integrity issue.

Kim van Vliet, I wish I had your confidence in humanity.

The way around the outside facility confusion is to credit the image to the facility in the caption. Then, if an instrument is misidentified, the error is recoverable and the data not suspect. Many times the Metadata is not available or the configuration of the instrument is inconsistent with the output data and.the errors can be found and explained.

Kudos to Richardson et al for the insights and work digging into this. And re the comment string on whether this indicates mistakes or fraud. Undoubtedly both. I am among those who generate samples that we send out for analysis. I often struggle to get the analysts to respond to my tedious questions on details on which line the samples were run and all the particulars. And often I’ve left it vague when I couldn’t get those details. But to provide very specific, false details? Even without a giveaway like Czech Hitachi, this smells like fraud.

But if authors leave it vague, almost always reviewers and journals will require product details and will usually reject the paper if authors say we don’t know. So authors either need to accept that their paper will never see the light of day or need to put some random (and dishonest) info there just to save the paper and rest of their (honest) efforts.

By the way, are SEM product / specs / details *THAT* important? I know product details are always very important but I think it might not be the case for SEMs for 2 reasons:

1. SEMs are usually used for very limited subjective evaluations and cherry picked examples. A study has 150 specimens in 5 groups. They can afford to electron-micrograph only 1 per group. It is almost useless other than some beautiful fancy imagery.

For such subjective examples, I wouldn’t bother even one bit to know the correct brand/model/manufacturer of SEM. The image is next to “decorative”. Nothing too important.

2. In objective measurements (like particle size or surface topography), it would be much more important to know the correct details. But even then, I trust that SEM devices are all very high-tech, very accurate, and the best of their class. So their results might not be *that* different.

It would be good if a study compares various SEM devices in terms of their accuracy and agreenebt in objective measurements.

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