Integrity is the very soul of successful management. Integrity
implies an ‘uncompromising adherence to moral and ethical principles’ or ‘the
soundness of moral character’.
Integrity is an individual virtue. But when a group of
individuals jointly pursues an ethical course, then the group is rendered a
value based corporate.
Many intelligent managers argue that occasional dishonesty
is part and parcel of being successful in business. Unfortunately, such
managers know little of human nature or of universal ethical principles.
No enduring success or good has ever been achieved by fraud
or dishonesty. If we study the history of business houses that have had
enduring success spanning generations, we will find that the managers at their
helm possessed sound moral character and integrity.
Conversely, individuals amassing wealth
through unfair means invariably get exposed in time and lose both their wealth
and reputation.
Integrity brings strength and courage. An upright person
never tries to project a false image of him or herself. That makes for
fearlessness. A person with integrity is a person with deep convictions.
This honesty and sticking to one’s convictions make for
character. Such persons can face and surmount all obstacles. Rectitude in one’s
dealings also inspires faith and confidence in others. Individuals and groups
feel secure and comfortable dealing with such people. With such people around,
business is bound to grow and prosper.
Genuinely successful managers know that their happiness
depends on the happiness of others. They feel compelled to ensure that none of
their fellow beings remain victims of poverty or misery. Living for others
becomes a way of life with them. Social welfare is one of their most important
corporate goals. The respect and dignity that such individuals command from
society is, however, only a by-product of their actions. More important is the
sense of fulfilment and bliss that they experience within. It is for this
reason that students of management must expand on all sides. Their vision
should be as broad as the sky, their heart as deep as the ocean.
Source - Prabuddha Bharata May 2007 excerpts from an article by Swami Satyarupananda