Question

Write a one page paper defining (in your own words) what integrity means. How will you demonstrate it in your professional accounting career?

Answer 1

Integrity is the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles, or moral uprightness. It is a personal choice to hold one's self to consistent standards.^[1]

In ethics, integrity is regarded as the honesty and truthfulness or accuracy of one's actions. Integrity can stand in opposition to hypocrisy,^[2] in that judging with the standards of integrity involves regarding internal consistency as a virtue, and suggests that parties holding within themselves apparently conflicting values should account for the discrepancy or alter their beliefs. The word integrityevolved from the Latin adjective integer, meaning whole or complete.^[3] In this context, integrity is the inner sense of "wholeness" deriving from qualities such as honesty and consistency of character. As such, one may judge that others "have integrity" to the extent that they act according to the values, beliefs and principles they claim to hold.

Significant attention is given to the subject of integrity in law and the conception of law in 20th century philosophy of law and jurisprudence centering in part on the research of Ronald Dworkin as studied in his book Law's Empire. Dworkin's position on integrity in law reinforces the conception of justice viewed as fairness.

It is possible that having an accountant on board who possesses a high level of integrity could protect companies from lawsuits. However, there are further benefits of integrity that employers might factor in when they are screening job candidates.

An article posted on PayScale commented on the key benefits of integrity in business. Although the information was geared toward business leaders specifically, the benefits of integrity could be applied to workers at any level. Such benefits include the following:

• Stability. If you have integrity, you will likely treat others fairly, and they can depend on you to do the right thing even when circumstances might tempt you to do otherwise.
• Safety. Your attitude is more likely to promote an atmosphere of open communication.
• Reference. You can serve as a role model for those around you.

The benefits of integrity go beyond what happens within the office; this quality can also affect how customers view a business. An article posted on the AZCentral website noted that a good reputation can stem from integrity. Such a reputation encourages customers to come back again and again and form a lasting relationship with the business. The loyalty that is thus built up can play a role in enhanced earning potential for the business, and a company’s avoidance of scandals via integrity may also aid the bottom line.

Furthermore, when an employer has a dedication to integrity, they are likely to attract employees who have a similar outlook. This can lead to a company that is trustworthy from top to bottom.

Starting Your Career in Accounting

By showing your integrity during the job screening process, you can demonstrate that you are a solid candidate for the open position.

Hard skills are important, too. If you don’t yet have a bachelor’s degree in accounting but want to pursue one, it might be time for you to consider a 100% online option. Learn more about how an online Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Maryville University can help you pursue a fulfilling career in the business world.