Why Integrity Matters

What is 'integrity', and why does it matter?

This paper is a brief introduction to the concept of integrity, and the consequences for individuals and societies who lack it.

The paper proposes a simple way to test whether you're acting with integrity: How would you feel if your actions were public, and anyone could be watching over your shoulder? If you'd be ashamed of other people finding out what you'd done, it's a pretty strong indication that you're acting against your own moral compass and are just rationalizing it to yourself, saying that nobody will ever know.

If you act with integrity, people will give you trust and respect, and you can deal openly and fairly with them and keep a clear conscience. If you don't act with integrity, you lose control over your own life - people will be less likely to trust you, you won't be able to trust others, and you'll live in constant fear of being caught out.

http://sja.ucdavis.edu/pdf/WhyInteg.pdf