THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN INTEGRITY AND ETHICS
Integrity is often defined as the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles. It
refers to the consistency of actions, values, methods, measure and principles.
Ethics on the other hand, refers to a system of moral principles that affect how people make
decisions and lead their lives. It is concerned with what is good for individuals and society and is
also described as moral philosophy.
Integrity is primarily a personal quality. It reflects an individual's commitment to their own
moral principles regardless of external pressures or temptations. It is about living authentically
and acting in accordance with what we believe is right, even when it's difficult.
Ethics is based more on societal norms than personal quality. It is a collective standards that
guide behavior in a broader context. They encompass the shared moral values and principles that
promote social order and cooperation within a group or society.
Integrity emphasizes consistency between actions and personal values. It's about acting with
moral coherence, ensuring that our behavior reflects our core beliefs. This consistency fosters
trust and reliability in our relationships and interactions with others. Example: A teacher who
values honesty and fairness would demonstrate integrity by treating all students equally and
refusing to engage in favoring specific students.
In Ethics, a consideration is on adherence to established moral principles and codes of conduct
that are often external to the individual. These principles provide a framework for decision-
making, outlining what is generally considered right or wrong in various situations. Example: A
doctor's code of ethics emphasizes principles like "do no harm" and patient confidentiality. These
principles guide the doctor's behavior, even if they face pressure from patients or family
members.
Integrity is internally driven and reflects an individual's core values and beliefs. It stands from a
sense of moral responsibility and a desire to live authentically according to one's conscience.
Example: A volunteer who chooses to donate their time to a orphanage children is acting with
integrity because it aligns with their internal value of helping those in need.
Ethics on the other hand, can be externally imposed through professional codes, laws and social
expectations. These external factors set a baseline for acceptable behavior within a particular
group or society. Example: A lawyer is bound by ethical codes that dictate client confidentiality
and professional conduct. These codes ensure a certain level of ethical behavior within the legal
profession.
Integrity goes beyond s knowing what's right and whats wrong. It is the unwavering
commitment to act according to your deepest convictions, even when it's difficult. Imagine
facing a situation where taking a stand for what you believe in could cost you your job, damage
your reputation or even endanger your safety. A person of integrity would choose their principles
over comfort in order to demonstrate the courage to face adversity with a clear conscience. For
example, a nurse might refuse to participate in any unethical medical procedure despite receiving
pressure from superiors.
Ethics on the other hand can base on the beliefs of whats right and whats wrong. It provides the
compass that guides our actions. It's the set of moral principles that informs our decisions and
shapes our behavior. These principles can be shaped by various influences, such as cultural
norms passed down through generations, religious doctrines that offer a framework for right and
wrong, or societal expectations about fairness and justice. For instance, a culture that emphasizes
respect for elders might expect younger generations to prioritize the well-being of their parents.
A religion might preach honesty and compassion as core tenets. Laws themselves are a form of
codified ethics, outlining what society deems acceptable behavior.