Philosophical basis of Integrity

Integrity

 

Integrity means that the moral agent acts according to the inner convictions of a person. His conducts should be free from hypocrisy and deception. His actions should be in conformity with his stated values. But it is hard to follow high morals which one proclaims. The British historian GM Trevelyan has commented on this aspect of Puritanism i.e. rigid pursuit of high morals: “by making a shibboleth of virtue, it (puritanical version of Christianity) bred notorious hypocrites”. But it doesn’t mean that one needs to abandon morals. One should be moral sincerely without making a show of it.

Public leaders who possess integrity create interpersonal trust. Integrity which refers to actions resulting from a set of well ordered commitments and beliefs promotes trusts. Trust implies the capacity to depend on and place confidence in the actions of others. All social interaction depends on integrity and trust. Integrity especially relevant in Public Administration in which cooperative, corroborative and collective efforts are needed to solve interconnected problems. Hence, character, particularly integrity, is essential in leaders and bureaucrats.

In this context public administration writers make a distinction between ‘ethics of compliance’ and ‘ethics of integrity’. In ethics of compliance, public servants are trained or given detailed instructions on various laws, rules, regulations and procedures which govern their working in an organization. After Learning about these matters, public servants are expected to scrupulously follow them. In this process, public servants learn to follow a set of externally imposed commands. However, they may not do any moral thinking on their own.

Ethics of integrity in contrast tries to impart to civil servants the necessary skills to analyze moral problems on their own. They are trained in areas like Public Service ethos, ethical standards and values and in the processes of ethical reasoning. By using such skills public servants will follow ethical norms in their conduct. Ethics of integrity leads to development of moral character with self responsibility and moral autonomy. It relies on internal, positive, proactive and voluntary efforts of public servants rather than on external commands and penalties.

 

Impartiality

Impartiality is a norm of Justice holding that decisions should be based on objective standards, instead of on the basis of bias, prejudice, or preferring the advantage to one person over another for unsuitable reasons. Impartiality is acting solely according to the merits of the case and serving equally well governments of different political persuasions. Impartiality means that civil bureaucrats in carrying out their official work, including functions like procurement, recruitment, delivery of Services etc., should take decisions based on merit alone. Impartiality implies that the behavior of, and treatment by a bureaucrat to any individual or entity has to be exclusively on the basis of merit. An administrator has to take numerous major decisions such as recruitment, procurement and allotment. To make such decisions effective and efficient, there has to be absolute impartiality. Impartiality is the eminence of a person where one is impartial while allocating any goods or services among several people or selecting a person from a set of people based on certain set of abilities.

In Impartiality, candidates must: Perform his responsibilities in a way that is fair, just and equitable and reflects the Civil Service commitment to Equality and diversity they must not act in a way that unjustifiably favors or discriminates against particular individuals or interests.

In political Impartiality, person must: Serve the government, whatever its political Persuasion, to the best of his ability in a way which maintains political impartiality and is in line with the requirements of this code, no matter what your own political beliefs are.

Act in a way which deserves and retains the confidence of ministers, while at the same time ensuring that you will be able to establish the same relationship with those whom you may be required to serve in some future government.

Comply with any restrictions that have been laid down on your political actions.

Candidates must not act in a way that is determined by party political considerations, or use official Resources for party political purposes and allow their personal political views to determine any advice they give or their actions

 

Non Partisanship

 

Non-partisanship is not being precisely owned or allied with any group, party or cause. Non-partisanship can be called political neutrality. Non-partisanship infers that the officer is to do his task without any fear of, or favour to any political party. The values of the administrator will flow from the constitution not from the philosophy of any political party. Non-partisanship is the process of not involving any political party even if the person has strong faith in any political thought.

Non-partisanship strengthens the democratic procedures and institutions along with maintaining the integrity of the service. The administrators are always with continuous interface with the politicians, therefore it is necessary to detach themselves from any political dogma and do his duty sincerely. It does not matter which party is in power. Significance of non-partisanship can be appreciated by considering a situation in which this virtue is absent. If the administrator is motivated to any political party, there would always be a group that would remain alienated from the government services as they would have voted for losing party. It strongly fascinates other prerequisites of moral administration like clearness and trustworthiness.,

The philosophical basis of integrity is a complex and multifaceted topic. Some of the key subtopics that are often discussed include:

  • The nature of integrity: What is integrity, and what are its essential features?
  • The sources of integrity: Where does integrity come from, and how can it be developed?
  • The value of integrity: Why is integrity important, and what are its benefits?
  • The challenges to integrity: What are the obstacles that can prevent people from acting with integrity?
  • The role of integrity in Society: What is the role of integrity in individual lives, and in the functioning of society as a whole?

These are just some of the many subtopics that can be explored in the philosophical basis of integrity. It is a rich and rewarding topic to study, and one that can help us to better understand ourselves and the world around us.

The nature of integrity

Integrity is often defined as “the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles.” It is closely related to other concepts such as honesty, trustworthiness, and reliability. Integrity is often seen as a virtue, and people who are said to have integrity are often admired and respected.

There are many different ways to think about the nature of integrity. Some people believe that integrity is something that is innate, or that people are born with it. Others believe that integrity is something that is learned, or that people develop it over time. Still others believe that integrity is something that is both innate and learned, and that it is something that people must continually work to maintain.

There are also different ways to think about the essential features of integrity. Some people believe that integrity is simply a matter of being honest. Others believe that it also includes being trustworthy, reliable, and consistent. Still others believe that integrity goes beyond these things, and that it also includes being courageous, standing up for what is right, and being willing to do what is difficult.

The sources of integrity

There are many different sources of integrity. Some people believe that integrity comes from within, or that it is something that people develop through their own personal reflection and Growth. Others believe that integrity comes from external sources, such as religion, family, or community. Still others believe that integrity comes from a combination of both internal and external sources.

There are also many different ways to develop integrity. Some people believe that the best way to develop integrity is through Education and training. Others believe that the best way to develop integrity is through experience and practice. Still others believe that the best way to develop integrity is through a combination of both education and experience.

The value of integrity

Integrity is often seen as a virtue, and people who are said to have integrity are often admired and respected. There are many reasons why integrity is valuable. First, integrity is essential for building trust and relationships. When people know that they can trust someone, they are more likely to be open and honest with them. This can lead to stronger relationships and more effective Communication.

Second, integrity is essential for making good decisions. When people have integrity, they are more likely to make decisions that are based on their values and principles. This can lead to better outcomes for themselves and others.

Third, integrity is essential for living a meaningful life. When people have integrity, they are more likely to live in a way that is consistent with their values and beliefs. This can lead to a greater sense of purpose and satisfaction in life.

The challenges to integrity

There are many challenges to integrity. One challenge is that it can be difficult to stand up for what is right when it is unpopular or difficult to do. Another challenge is that it can be difficult to resist temptation, especially when it comes to things like Money, power, or fame. Still another challenge is that it can be difficult to maintain integrity in the face of criticism or opposition.

Despite these challenges, it is important to remember that integrity is a valuable quality. When we act with integrity, we are not only making ourselves better people, but we are also making the world a better place.

The role of integrity in society

Integrity plays an important role in society. It is essential for building trust and relationships, making good decisions, and living a meaningful life. When people have integrity, they are more likely to act in ways that are beneficial to themselves and others. This can lead to a more just, equitable, and prosperous society.

In conclusion, the philosophical basis of integrity is a complex and multifaceted topic. There are many different ways to think about the nature of integrity, the sources of integrity, the value of integrity, the challenges to integrity, and the role of integrity in society. It is a rich and rewarding topic to study, and one that can help us to better understand ourselves and the world around us.

What is integrity?

Integrity is the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles. It is the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles. People with integrity are honest, fair, and trustworthy. They do what they say they will do, and they stand up for what they believe in.

What are the benefits of integrity?

There are many benefits to having integrity. People with integrity are more likely to be successful in their careers, relationships, and personal lives. They are also more likely to be happy and fulfilled.

How can I develop integrity?

There are many things you can do to develop integrity. One way is to set high standards for yourself and to always strive to live up to those standards. Another way is to be honest with yourself and others, even when it is difficult. Finally, you can develop integrity by being willing to stand up for what you believe in, even when it is unpopular.

What are some examples of integrity?

There are many examples of integrity in the world. One example is Nelson Mandela, who fought for equality and justice for all people, even though he was imprisoned for many years. Another example is Malala Yousafzai, who was shot by the Taliban for speaking out about the importance of education for girls. These are just two examples of the many people who have shown great integrity throughout history.

What are some challenges to integrity?

There are many challenges to integrity. One challenge is that it can be difficult to stand up for what you believe in when it is unpopular. Another challenge is that it can be difficult to be honest with yourself and others, especially when it is difficult. Finally, it can be difficult to maintain integrity when you are under pressure to do something that is not right.

What are some resources for developing integrity?

There are many resources available for developing integrity. One resource is books on the topic of integrity. Another resource is websites that offer advice on how to develop integrity. Finally, there are many people who can offer support and guidance as you develop integrity.

What is the future of integrity?

The future of integrity is uncertain. However, it is important to remember that integrity is a valuable quality that can help you succeed in all areas of your life. If you strive to develop integrity, you will be well on your way to a happy and fulfilling life.

  1. Which of the following is not a component of integrity?
    (A) Honesty
    (B) Fairness
    (C) Courage
    (D) Loyalty

  2. Which of the following is the best definition of integrity?
    (A) The quality of being honest and fair
    (B) The quality of being brave and courageous
    (C) The quality of being loyal and faithful
    (D) The quality of being consistent in one’s actions and beliefs

  3. Which of the following is an example of integrity?
    (A) A person who tells the truth even when it is difficult
    (B) A person who stands up for what they believe in even when it is unpopular
    (C) A person who keeps their promises even when it is inconvenient
    (D) All of the above

  4. Which of the following is not an example of integrity?
    (A) A person who cheats on their taxes
    (B) A person who lies to their spouse
    (C) A person who steals from their employer
    (D) All of the above

  5. Which of the following is the best reason to be honest?
    (A) Because it is the right thing to do
    (B) Because it will make you feel good about yourself
    (C) Because it will make people trust you
    (D) All of the above

  6. Which of the following is the best reason to be fair?
    (A) Because it is the right thing to do
    (B) Because it will make people like you
    (C) Because it will make the world a better place
    (D) All of the above

  7. Which of the following is the best reason to be brave?
    (A) Because it is the right thing to do
    (B) Because it will make you feel good about yourself
    (C) Because it will make people respect you
    (D) All of the above

  8. Which of the following is the best reason to be loyal?
    (A) Because it is the right thing to do
    (B) Because it will make people like you
    (C) Because it will make your relationships stronger
    (D) All of the above

  9. Which of the following is the best reason to be consistent?
    (A) Because it is the right thing to do
    (B) Because it will make you feel good about yourself
    (C) Because it will make people trust you
    (D) All of the above

  10. Which of the following is the best way to develop integrity?
    (A) By setting a good example for others
    (B) By being honest with yourself and others
    (C) By standing up for what you believe in
    (D) All of the above

Index