2.1 Integrity

Integrity is the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles that a person follows consistently, whether or not anyone is watching. At work it means telling the truth, keeping promises, using employer resources properly, owning up to mistakes and refusing to take part in dishonest acts such as bribery, theft or falsifying records. Integrity builds trust with employers, colleagues and customers, protects organisations from losses and legal trouble, and is a requirement for anyone holding public office in Kenya under Chapter Six of the Constitution. Example: a stores clerk at a county hospital who notices that delivered drugs are fewer than the quantity on the supplier's invoice records the true quantity and reports the shortfall, even though the supplier offers him money to sign for the full amount.

Components of integrity

• Honesty: Telling the truth in words, records and reports, and not deceiving others.
• Accountability: Accepting responsibility for one's actions, decisions and mistakes.
• Transparency: Acting openly so that decisions and transactions can be checked.
• Consistency: Applying the same values in all situations, not only when observed.
• Reliability: Keeping promises and meeting commitments and deadlines.
• Fairness: Treating all people equally without favouritism or discrimination.
• Confidentiality: Protecting private information entrusted by the employer and clients.

Importance of integrity in the workplace

• Builds trust: Employers, colleagues and customers rely on people who are honest.
• Protects resources: Honest workers prevent theft, waste and fraud.
• Improves reputation: Organisations known for integrity attract customers, partners and investors.
• Supports good decisions: Accurate records and honest reports lead to sound decisions.
• Reduces legal risk: Integrity helps avoid offences such as fraud, bribery and abuse of office.
• Promotes career growth: Trustworthy employees are given more responsibility and promotion.
• Creates a positive work culture: Honest behaviour encourages others to act the same way.

Integrity and the law in Kenya

Common integrity breaches at work

• Bribery: Giving or accepting money or gifts to influence decisions.
• Theft and misuse of property: Taking or using employer materials, tools, fuel or funds for personal gain.
• Falsifying records: Changing timesheets, invoices, receipts or reports.
• Conflict of interest: Making decisions that benefit oneself, relatives or friends.
• Absenteeism and time theft: Claiming pay for time not worked.
• Plagiarism: Presenting other people's work or ideas as one's own.
• Breaching confidentiality: Sharing private client or company information without permission.

Ways of demonstrating integrity

• Tell the truth: Give accurate information even when it is uncomfortable.
• Admit mistakes: Report errors quickly and help to correct them.
• Declare conflicts of interest: Inform supervisors when personal interests could affect work.
• Refuse bribes and improper gifts: Decline and report any offer meant to influence decisions.
• Use resources responsibly: Use time, money and materials only for work purposes.
• Keep records accurate: Record times, quantities and amounts exactly as they are.
• Report wrongdoing: Use proper channels to report dishonest acts.

Steps for handling an integrity dilemma

1. Recognise the dilemma: Notice when a situation involves dishonesty or unfair advantage.
2. Gather the facts: Find out exactly what is happening and who is involved.
3. Check the rules: Refer to company policies, the code of conduct and the law.
4. Consider the effects: Think about how each choice would affect others and the organisation.
5. Seek advice: Talk to a supervisor, human resources officer or trusted mentor.
6. Choose the honest option: Decide on the action that follows the rules and values.
7. Act and report: Take the action and report any wrongdoing through proper channels.
8. Record the matter: Keep notes of what happened and what was done.

Worked example: loss caused by inflated claims

Total loss = number of claims × amount inflated per claim

An internal audit at a transport company finds that a supervisor inflated fuel claims by Ksh 2,500 per trip for 48 trips.

Total loss = 48 × 2,500

Total loss = Ksh 120,000