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.