Critical Links In The Corporate Integrity Chain
Many companies and organizations include "Integrity" when they list their foundational values for guiding their day-to-day operations. Although this desire for fostering a corporate culture of integrity is admirable, such aspirations can be ruined by one misguided employee.
Corporate integrity is not simply a noble principle espoused at the top levels of corporate management. It is actually a culmination of the entire corporate team working in unity; many people combining to establish a consistent standard for personal integrity throughout the organization. An organization is only as good as the weakest link in the chain.
For instance, a customer's one bad experience with a sales person or customer service representative can seriously taint their opinion of the entire organization. If such behavior or attitudes are repeated, or if reports of the negative experience become widespread, an otherwise reputable company can suffer irreparable damage.
Just as the adage tells us one bad apple can spoil an entire barrel of apples, poor behavior or unethical actions by a single employee can tarnish how people perceive an entire organization. It might not seem fair, but that is the reality.
Proverbs 17:21, found in the Bible's Old Testament, presents it this way: "To have a fool for a son brings grief; there is no joy for the father of a fool."
Just as a father can experience grief, so can an employer. Whether in a family or a company, one individual can spoil things for everyone on the team. A bad hire can destroy a good reputation that has been built over many years. Here are some biblical guidelines for selecting people who will become assets for your organization:
Seek people who demonstrate honesty. Does the individual's resume check out? Do they seem like people who cherish the truth, or do you sense they would be willing to bend the truth to make a sale or advance professionally? "The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in men who are truthful" (Proverbs 12:22).
Look for people with solid reputations. Do they come highly recommended by people you know and respect? If they are to hold leadership roles, they should already have demonstrated a commitment to personal and professional integrity. "Now an overseer (manager) must be above reproach…temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach…. Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere…not pursuing dishonest gain" (1 Timothy 3:2-8). These qualifications are listed for spiritual leadership, but they also apply well for those charged with directing a corporate enterprise.
Just as Proverbs 17:21 reminds us there is no joy for the father of a fool, remember there also is no joy for leaders whose employees bring embarrassment or disgrace to their companies. The next time you hire someone, strive to select a person who brings joy instead of grief.
Copyright 2011, Integrity Resource Center, Inc. Adapted with permission from "Integrity Moments with Rick Boxx," a commentary on issues of integrity in the workplace from a Christian perspective. To learn more about Integrity Resource Center or to sign up for Rick's daily Integrity Moments, visit www.integrityresource.org. His book, How to Prosper in Business Without Sacrificing Integrity, gives a biblical approach for doing business with integrity.
Reflection/Discussion Questions
1. What would be your definition of "integrity"?
2. How do you think the leadership of an organization can most effectively create and maintain an environment that makes integrity a top priority?
3. Why do you think we see or hear about so many instances where integrity is not embraced as an important corporate virtue? In the fast-paced, high-pressure, demanding business and professional world of today, do you think working and operating consistently according to high standards of integrity is even possible? Explain your answer
4. If you were to begin making any changes at your workplace – or even in your daily work performance – to ensure higher levels of integrity on the part of everyone involved, what might some of them be?
NOTE: If you have a Bible and would like to read more about this subject, consider the following passages:
Proverbs 10:9, 11:1,3, 12:17, 13:17, 20:14,25, 29:4
