Ethics and integrity are related concepts with overlapping principles. The two terms go hand in hand, but they are not the same thing. In this blog post, we will explore the difference between ethics and integrity so you can better understand their meaning in our society today.
What are Ethics?
The word ‘ethics’ comes from the Latin word ‘ethos,’ meaning character. Ethics can be defined as “rules and regulations that have been formed to allow an individual to work according to moral principles. In almost all organizations, there is a code of ethics imposed on the employees”. They are principles that guide behavior [Source].
What is Integrity?
Integrity is described as the “quality of being honest and fair .”It suggests that we should carry out “ethical principles in our daily lives and activities, rather than espousing an ideal and then doing something contradictory.” [Source].
Integrity is also “the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness; the state of being whole and undivided.”
Difference between Ethics and Integrity
Ethics are defined as rules and regulations intended to influence people’s behavior or living by moral principles, while integrity is associated with being honest and fair in one’s actions. Ethical principles are more of a set of rules or regulations. They are relatable to many people, and they can be viewed as universal standards in society. But, integrity relies on the individual to choose the kind of person they want to be.
When it comes to ethics, the social may see someone who is flawed, but it’s difficult to identify individuals on the wrong side of integrity. It means that ethics is external and integrity is internal. Because it is an external aspect, ethics is not a choice. People are supposed to follow a trend, whereas integrity is a personal choice.
Ethics are societal rules, so they can be imposed on a person, like in the phrase ‘When in Rome, do as the Romans do,’ while integrity cannot be imposed on people because it takes dedication.
The Similarity between Ethics and Integrity
The link between ethics and integrity is that, in some ways, both are aiming for the same objectives. The desire to govern people on how to act and live responsibly gives rise to ethics and integrity.
Ethics and integrity impose behavioral standards on individuals. Ethics is a term used to describe positive moral ideas, while integrity is an important positive trait. Another similarity is that a person who follows ethics and has integrity is appreciated in society. Also, these two concepts are associated with humility and good citizenship. Good ethics and integrity is also linked to good parenting and good role models.
Ethics and Integrity in leadership
It is noted that “the underlying principles of ethical leadership are: integrity, honesty, fairness, justice, responsibility, accountability, and empathy” [Source]. In terms of ethical leadership, it is mentioned that they try to uphold and respect others inside the company while also empowering underlings to accomplish more.
Integrity in leaders is embedded in being honest, trustworthy, fulfilling their promises, practicing what they preach, owning up to their mistakes, and being reliable. A leader projects the image of the ideal candidate for the top job and can persuade their followers to vote for them and get re-elected for another term.
Ethics and Integrity in the Workplace
“Integrity in the workplace comes in many forms, but above all refers to having upstanding character traits and work ethics including sound judgment, honesty, dependability, and loyalty” [Source]. Recruitment company Michael Page said that integrity is “doing the right thing (through your words, actions, and beliefs) when no one is watching.”
A person with ethics and integrity at the workplace should be trustworthy, reliable, practice and encourage open and honest communication, and be responsible for their actions. Employees come from different backgrounds and ethnic groups, so ethics is a drive that makes co-existence happen easily. People will learn to respect each other despite their differences.
Ethics operates like a rule book that dictates the ‘dos’ and the ‘don’ts’ that must be followed at their place of work.
Ethics and Integrity in Academic work
Integrity is encompassed in the body of academic work ethics; this refers to “taking action with responsibility, honesty, respect, trust, fairness, and courage in any activity related to academic work and avoiding any kind of cheating or dishonest action even when the work is challenging.” [Source].
Academics must adhere to certain ethics. They must avoid plagiarizing or fabricating results to support one’s ideas, as well as violating confidentiality.
Ethics and Integrity in Research
Research ethics and integrity “practices make sure that research is conducted according to the highest standards of practice and with the minimal risk of adverse or harmful outcomes or consequences .”Researchers must follow a code of ethics, such as being open about their study. Integrity ensures thoroughness in recording accurate findings.
Fabricating data is unethical, as some researchers do it to support their hypothesis and others entrap individuals into participating in their study, which is against the ethos of research. Ethics and integrity ensure that there is no plagiarism, fabrication, falsification of findings, and confidentiality is maintained on sensitive testing. . Ethics and integrity influence both the publisher and researcher to only release relevant results acquired from the field.
