Question

Abelina has been struggling to gain approval from her new boss, Ms Aldo, who has very high standards about even the most tiny aspects. It's a welcome change when she calls her into hes office to praise her for her work that week. Unfortunately, Abelina soon understands that Ms Aldo appreciation is mainly for the new streamlined format for reports that her assistant Joanie designed. What do you think Abelina should do in this situation?

Departing from the analysis of the case study above, please discuss:

• What does integrity mean to you?
• Do you think that work integrity is different or has different characteristics from integrity in general?
• What do you think should

Mandatory approach to the exercise: Critical thinking is expected from the answers. Critical thinking refers to the ability to analyse information objectively and make a reasoned judgment. Critical thinking involves the evaluation of sources such as data, facts, observable phenomenon, and research findings. Good critical thinkers can draw reasonable conclusions from a set of information and discriminate between useful and less useful details to solve a problem or make a decision.

Answer 1

Integrity to me means being honest to my own conscience in all circumstances irrespective of subsequent events. One that has developed over the years through the ethical practices of family life, business practice and society. Strong character is a non-negotiable requirement for achieving our goals and dreams. It is the battering ram that allows us to break through obstacles and grow into a better life. Every challenge we face on the journey to a better life has the potential to either take us down or make us stronger. There’s no middle ground. When we face problems and hard times, it’s the strength of our character that enables us not only to face the storm, but to turn it to our advantage.

I believe Integrity at home or work should be the same.

I strive to be the same person in front of the crowd as I am behind the scenes.

When the pressure is on, what’s inside always comes out. In a crisis or under stress, we don’t have the luxury of keeping up appearances. It’s at such times that our actions reveal who we really are—for good or for ill.

I constantly ask myself - Am I the same person outside of work? Do I live differently around different peer groups? Does my environment determine my speech or is it consistent no matter what? People who value integrity are the same in every crowd. Popularity isn’t important. Being able to bring credibility to the table regardless of the setting is what matters. You can only do this if you have integrity. That means being the same person in every environment.

Character isn't who we say we are. It's who we actually are. You can fake almost anything in life, but not your character. You either have it or you don't. Character means doing the right thing regardless of what others think. It often means standing alone and acting courageously.

Regarding the above scenario, in my opinion I feel Abelina should mention the fact that the formats were designed by her assistant Joanne. Even at the risk of losing out on the appreciation of her boss. Because it's the right thing to do.

Joanne will definitely appreciate Abelina and also have a new respect for her. Not only that, I believe that good and honest work will always be rewarded. Who knows, her manager just might end up offering her a promotion because she knows she can trust and depend on Abelina.

Doing the right thing might be hard, but it's definitely worth it!