What is integrity all about?

Written by Editorial Team | Last Updated: August 2026

Integrity is fundamentally the quality of being honest and adhering consistently to a strong framework of moral and ethical principles. The word originates from the Latin "integer," meaning "whole" or "complete," which captures the essence of integrity as a state of internal consistency and wholeness. A person with integrity acts in a way that aligns their beliefs, values, and actions, regardless of the situation or external pressure. It implies an uncompromising dedication to truthfulness, ethical behavior, and the avoidance of hypocrisy. In essence, integrity is the practice of "doing the right thing" even when no one is watching, ensuring that one’s character remains unbroken and sound across all professional and personal domains.

Related FAQs

Ethical frameworks and personal conduct models identify four primary classifications of integrity across professional and social dimensions.

In the context of banking, integrity refers to the institution's commitment to honesty, transparency, and ethical conduct in all its financial dealings with clients, regulators, and the public.