LEADERSHIP | Research throughout the world, including Malaysia, has shown that integrity is the most admired trait of leaders and managers.

However, not many people can look in the mirror and beam with pride for having incorporated integrity - the bedrock of good character - into their professional and personal lives. Many politicians, leaders, managers and employees are guilty of compromising integrity in their daily actions.

Major examples of lack of integrity are taking bribes; misappropriating funds; using misleading facts and lies to defend positions or to cover up blunders; promoting self-interest at the expense of others and the organisation; making false claims; misusing organisational resources; rewarding undeserving “yes-men”; not honouring commitments; spending an inordinate amount of time on personal business at work; and taking home office stationery.

Personally, I know of several academicians who have sold their soul and committed “intellectual travesty” unethically as they value promotions and titles much more than integrity or self-respect. Similarly, at the club level, I have come across many members who shamelessly lie through their teeth and fail to uphold righteousness and justice.

Despite being a popular word and a virtue highly favoured by society, the term “integrity” is not widely...