Integrity & compliance
Integrity is how we work, not just what we say
Integrity in the workplace fosters a positive culture: open communication, good decisions and a strong moral compass guiding every action. Organisations known for their integrity perform better.
According to the Collins Dictionary, "if you have integrity, you are honest and firm in your moral principles."
Personal integrity
Personal integrity is an inborn moral conviction to do what is right and to reject what is wrong, regardless of the consequences attached to a decision. Integrity comes in many forms, but the traits most expected at work are dependability, honesty, loyalty and good judgement.
As an individual in the workplace, having integrity means:
- That your actions are consistent with your words.
- That you are trustworthy, reliable and honest.
- That you communicate honestly and openly.
- That you have appropriate values, and behaviours that reflect those values.
- That you can admit mistakes and are not afraid to show you care.
Forms of integrity
Three types of integrity we hold ourselves to
Drawing on the work of management consultant and executive coach Dan Coughlin, we think about integrity in three connected ways.
Internal integrity
This is integrity at the deepest level. Internal integrity is about doing the right thing even when no one is looking and even when you receive no credit for it. Doing the right thing, even when it is the harder option, is a huge step towards truly living with integrity.
External integrity
This is what you portray to those around you. You have high external integrity when your actions are consistent with your thoughts and your words. If you say one thing but your actions say something else, there is still work to do.
Image integrity
Similar to external integrity, this is the image of your integrity. Even when you take the right path, can your actions be read another way? Looking after image integrity means ensuring that none of your actions or words can be misconstrued.
Our commitment
The right thing, delivered
Our people have a strong desire to do the right thing and to deliver the promises we make. That commitment shapes how we choose products, support clinicians and train the next generation.