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Ethics

​Ethics and Integrity

​Ethics and Integrity

13 December 2022 by Grant Bummer
Ethics

“Creating a culture of integrity and accountability not only improves effectiveness, it also generates a respectful, enjoyable and life-giving setting in which to work.” - Tom Hanson

 There has been a lot of talk about ethics and integrity in recent years, but to fully understand their importance, we need to determine what they mean. Ethics is defined by Oxford Languages as being the “moral principles that govern a person's behaviour or the conduct of an activity”, which highlights how ethics is something that follows us in all aspects of life. Whether it is a day at work or a family function, our moral principles make up who we are and how we act. Integrity is similar, being defined as “the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles” as a person.

 These are both ‘human’ skills, those that help us in life to become the best version of ourselves. They impact how we make a decision, how we feel about ourselves and the type of role model we are. So, why are they becoming such an important part of recruitment culture?

 Ethics and Integrity in the World of Recruitment

As a recruiter, having ethics and integrity is hugely important, and it means a couple of different things. It means not chasing a ‘sale’ and simply completing a task to make your own life better but approaching the recruitment process as a way towards making lives better for everyone involved, including clients and candidates. For example, it is not OK to knowingly place the wrong candidate in the wrong role, just to boost your own number of successful placements. Having ethics and integrity means putting time, energy, and dedication into finding the right people for the right jobs.

 Ethics and Integrity Means Having a Strong Moral Compass

According to Dr. Todd Hall, everyone is born with a moral compass, and an innate sense of what is right and wrong. Having this moral compass helps us to act with the best interest of everyone in mind, as well as act in a way that has a positive impact on the world around us. Instead of taking the easy way out, we do what is right. Instead of cutting corners to make a task easier, we see things through to the end. After all, it only takes one person to do the right thing, and then everyone else is likely to follow suit. This is a domino effect, and people tend to follow their moral compass more when those around them are also doing so.

 The Importance of Ethics and Integrity

●       Ethics and integrity have a domino effect, and often it only takes one person to do the right thing. Start a revolution!

●       Ethics and integrity means acting with the greater good in mind, doing what is best for the majority. You will be paid back in time – for sure.

●       Having ethics and integrity encourages you to act in a way that benefits others, and to be less selfish in your actions. This leads to personal growth and becomes your calling card.

As you can see, ethics and integrity are hugely important. Whether you are recruiting a new employee or applying for a job yourself, having ethics and integrity ensures that you do what is right by everyone and not simply what is easy for you.

 Developing this personal attribute will immeasurably enhance your reputation and will lead to better employment and life opportunities.

 

This blog is a part of our on-going series "Our guide to the human skills you need to get ahead"