Integrity

noun (of an object or system)

  • The state of being whole and complete.

noun (of a person or organization)

  • The keeping and honoring of promises.

Usage Notes

  1. If a promise cannot be kept, integrity can be maintained by honoring the promise.
  2. Honoring a promise means that, in the event that you are unable to keep your word, you “clean up” any mess created by not keeping your word.
  3. It is impossible to have integrity if there was never an intention of keeping the promise.

Type of Promises

  1. Mandatory Promises are really obligations or promises that are compelled by another party (such as the government).
  2. Voluntary Promises are willingly extended to another party (such as a business partner, customer or employee) including contracts, agreements and other commitments.