Integrity
is more than simply being honest and authentic, for it has a complexity that extends
beyond the literature of being “true to self” and connects with other core
virtues. By definition "integrity" is
derived from the word "integer", meaning "wholeness". Systems with
integrity towards a common purpose
are balanced, in step, and
working towards a common purpose.
Psychologically it conveys the human need
to recover being-in-the-world and in society. That is, with respect to extremes
of the mean good, we identify the excess as self alienated at the expense
of others, e.g., arrogance, boastfulness; and the deficiency as accepting external influences, that results in inauthentic
self (persona), perhaps even splitting or fragmentation.
Integrity
speaks into self-differentiation, as it informs us of the practice and need for
goals and committed pathways even when it may costs us. In the helping field
this translates in how one provides treatment of others and self with care, evidenced
by helping those in need, sensitivity to the needs of others, and self-care. This
examination is most vital in most professions, since they inherently require us
to work outside the rigidness of policy while still meeting goals.
We get a glimpse into the complexity of
integrity via Giotto Integrity Test which measures and supports reflection of habits, attitudes and behaviors that have
impact on organizations.
Giotto Scale
|
Areas assessed
within the context of Giotto
|
Low scores may
indicate
|
High scores may
indicate
|
Prudence
|
Degree of care demonstrated when carrying
out tasks [4]
|
Prefers to leave mundane tasks to others
|
Careful when carrying out given tasks
|
Fortitude
|
Attitude to work
|
Likes to keep work in perspective
|
Driven by a work ethic
|
Temperance
|
The ability to control aggression in whatever
form
|
Impatient of the foibles of others
|
Slow to anger and calm in the face of
adversity
|
Justice
|
The fairness shown in judging the actions
of others
|
Tends to be more emotional or suspicious
when making decisions
|
Balanced, rational and impartial in
decision- making
|
Faith
|
The sense of obedience to organizational
policy
|
More likely to lead and innovate than
follow rules
|
Shows obedience to authority and a sense
of duty
|
Charity
|
The degree of directness, honesty and
openness in dealing with others
|
Closed and secretive about intended
actions
|
Honest and open when dealing with others
|
Hope
|
Assesses a sense of purpose and
forward-looking approach
|
Somewhat traditional and wary of rapid
change
|
Resourceful and enthusiastic about the
future
|
The
results of the Giotto Integrity Test stimulate
interesting discussion and often uncover rationale for interpersonal feelings
of distrust, interpersonal tension and conflict. The resulting information can
be used to develop an individual’s ability to identify individual differences
and respond accordingly to improve interactions in the tensions of an
organization or perhaps being-in-the-world.