Integrity means being honest and doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. It is about staying true to your values and principles. A person with integrity is trustworthy, fair, honest and responsible. He always stands by their principles, keeps his promises, and acts with fairness. It means being honest, ethical, and consistent in words and deeds, even when faced with challenges. When a person upholds integrity, they align their behavior with their principles, creating a sense of inner strength and confidence.
In public service delivery, integrity is the fundamental issue of effective and ethical governance. A civil servant with integrity ensures transparency, fairness, and accountability in their actions, directly benefiting the public and strengthening trust in the system. Integrity empowers civil servants to make decisions that align with the public’s best interests, even under pressure or in challenging situations.
Integrity Ensures Fairness and Equity: Integrity treats all citizens equally, regardless of their background or status. This promotes justice and ensures that public services are delivered without bias or favoritism. For example, during disaster relief, resources are distributed fairly to all affected individuals rather than favoring a particular group.
Integrity Promotes Accountability: Integrity encourages to take responsibility for one’s actions. It ensures that public resources are used efficiently and for their intended purpose, minimizing corruption and waste.
Integrity Builds Public Trust: When one (civil servant) acts with honesty and transparency, the public develops trust in government institutions. This trust fosters cooperation and support for policies and programs.
Integrity Encourages Ethical Decision-Making: Integrity empowers a person to make ethical decisions, even when faced with personal or political pressure. For instance, he might refuse bribes or resist unlawful orders, prioritizing the welfare of the community.
Integrity Improves Efficiency and Effectiveness: People with integrity focus on delivering quality services without shortcuts or unethical practices. This enhances the overall efficiency and reliability of public service systems.
Illustrations:
1. Imagine a student who finds a wallet full of money in the school playground. Instead of keeping it, the student takes the wallet to the school office and reports it. This act shows integrity because the student chose to be honest and do what is right, even though they could have kept the wallet without anyone knowing.
2. Imagine a civil servant responsible for issuing licenses. If they maintain integrity, they will process applications based on merit and legality, without accepting bribes or succumbing to political influence. This ensures that deserving individuals receive services promptly, fostering a fair and transparent system.
Such actions empower a person by earning them respect, trust, and self-confidence. Integrity creates a strong character, helps in building meaningful relationships, and makes the world a better place.
