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What Is Integrity?
July 21, 2008

Merriam Webster defines integrity in the following three ways:

1. Firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values: Incorruptibility
2. An unimpaired condition: Soundness
3. The quality or state of being complete or undivided: Completeness

Webster also states that a synonym for integrity is Honesty.

Integrity is, in my best estimation, the single most important attribute of any independent retailer (or of any human being, for that matter.)  Without integrity, we are not trustworthy, we are not reliable, and we are not of consistent value to other retailers, customers, or other people in general.  Integrity defines our worth to society.  

Our ethics define our standards for integrity.  When we set high standards of ethical conduct and adhere to those standards, we are not only of value to others, but we can have a peace that cannot otherwise be attained.  When we uphold standards of ethical conduct, we show that we respect our peers and ourselves.  There is no substitute for integrity in business... even if it is "just business."

I would love to hear your thoughts on integrity and the application of integrity in a business setting.  I would also love to hear your assesments of your own integrity and standards of ethics.  Do you feel that your standards are sufficient and do you adhere to those standards?  Without naming names, do you know of businesses that opperate with substandard levels of ethical practice and integrity? 

Posted by Kelly Nelson on July 21, 2008 | Comments (0)