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Integrity as a Principle for Guiding Contemporary Leadership Reputation

Oladele Olubukola Olabode, PhD

Abstract

Integrity has become the defining feature on which lies the success or failure of any organization or individual’s strength of reputation. Reputation was, is, and will always be of immense importance to any contemporary leadership, whether in commercial, governmental or not-for- profit, most importantly, Christian faith organizations. This study explores integrity from a modern point of view as it relates to higher standards of morality such as sincerity, honesty, fairness, and conscientiousness. The scriptural perspective acknowledges individuals being honourable before God and all men, accountable to God and people, shunning favouritism or personal interest, and modelling a lifestyle of honesty and faithfulness. Integrity could then be considered as the basis of the ethical behaviour of individuals in an organisation, a prototype of the comportment of an individual authorised to execute public functions, which includes transparency, honesty, accountability, and dedication to performing duties. Reputation does not occur in a vacuum or by chance but through principles that will guide the leader’s reputation (character)s to achieve and maintain functionality as it relates to management and organisational procedures; the quality of products and services; and essential relationships with stakeholders, as well as connectivity to communication activities and feedback mechanisms. These principles of integrity, such as Honesty, Transparency, Ethical Communication, honouring one’s word, respect and dignity, and Exemplary Leadership, become the standards for guiding leaders’ conduct and ethical behaviours, providing general guidance for interaction in an ethical manner. The author believes that if any leader could operate on these principles, they would embody high standards of ethical behaviour, forming the basis for interactions with employees, followers, customers, shareholders and the global community.

Keywords

IntegrityPrincipleLeadershipGuidingReputation.

References

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