Do you agree there is such thing as "highest integrity" ?

Question

I thought integrity is an all-or-nothing deal. If there is a highest integrity, then it sure sounds like it allows some leaks or exceptions?

In another, this is a double standard, am I wrong?


PS: the company I work for, demand all employees to have this highest integrity thing. I just don't understand why ...

Answer 1

I agree that integrity is kind of an all-or-nothing thing, but at the same time there can be people who "generally have integrity" but may slip up a little here or there. Then there are people who never, ever, slip up when it comes to integrity.

Answer 2

Humans are NOT perfect; despite the best of efforts they are prone to error. As such, organizations, do not use extreme descriptions, such as perfect integrity. But two different persons, do not necessarily, have the same degree of integrity. Hence, integrity is "rated" by employers. As a younger person, I also used to think on your lines, that integrity is an "absolute" commodity, i.e., one either has integrity OR has no integrity at all. But, gradually, I realized that, practical life is NOT "pure white" or "pure black," but, is actually, in the grade-able "gray" shades (i.e., in the different proportions of combinations of "white" and "black" shades, in different situations).

But "highest integrity," as an absolute criteria, is really hard to comprehend, without being in the situation. I think your organization probably means, that each individual, as per his personal capacity to assess morals, ethics and competence, must push up his "own level of integrity" to his "own personal highest."

Answer 3

Ah....the joys of random-word inventiveness in the corporate setting. Buzz words like "aspirational" and "multi-cultural competency" drive me nuts, too.

I think it's becoming accepted to be redundant in the business environment. Integrity in the business sense should refer to an adherence to moral and ethical principles, soundness of your moral character, and to honesty. I don't see how one can be of the 'highest' integrity.

Have fun at work!