Adventist International Institute

of Advanced Studies

INTEGRITY IN LEADERSHIP

A paper

presented in partial fulfillment

of the requirements for the degree

LEAD 610 Biblical Foundations of Leadership and Ethics

by

Roland V. Gadela

March 2021
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION………………………………………………………… 1

Problem Statement …………………………………………………… 2

Statement of Purpose …………………………………………………. 3
2. REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE ………………………………… 3

Integrity: Definition and Concept ……………………………………… 3

Attributes and Traits ………………………………………… 4
3. IMPORTANCE AND RELATIONSHIP WITH LEADERSHIP …………. 5

Integrity and Leadership…………………………………………………5

Biblical Foundations for Integrity………………………………………. 5
Implementation of Integrity to School Administrative functions………. 8
4. CONCLUSIONS ……………………………………………………………9

5. REFERENCES……………………………………………………………..11

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 INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

A leader plays a vital role in any organization. And the character of a leader determines his level of influence, since “leadership is about influence”

(Maxwell, 2013) which “maximizes the efforts of others towards the achievement of a goal” (Kruse, 2013). However, to influence others to achieve the desired

growth of an organization and the people involved presents a lot of challenges - internal and external. Singh (2015) shared that the key to deal with challenges of

influencing others is true integrity. Integrity according to Suri (2019) is “one of the most respectable aspects of human behavior.” In other words, integrity is

considered a quality of character that a leader must possess in order to influence other people. “Influencing with integrity means having a comfortable degree of

alignment between your own values and that of the organization” (Suri, 2019). Williams (2021) shared that “integrity is rated as the most essential leadership trait”

that people are looking for in their leaders. And Dwight Eisenhower believes that in every organization, without integrity, no real success is possible.

However, in the sinful world we live in, it is obvious that human integrity is imperfect. This notion is supported by Brown (2014) when he says that

“one of the Christian world’s greatest leadership challenges today is integrity.” He further states that this integrity crisis which involves character (personal integrity),

competence (vocational integrity), and contribution (organizational integrity) serves as impetus for exploring the importance of integrity among Christian leaders.

While given the opportunity to lead people towards accomplishing His agenda, integrity plays a vital role.

As White (1911) says,

“Everyone in whose heart Christ abides, everyone who will show forth His love to the world, is a worker together with God for the blessing of
humanity. As he [and she] receives from the Savior grace to impart to others, from [their] whole being flows forth the tide of spiritual life.” (The Acts of
the Apostles, p.13).

Thus, this calls for a critical look at the issue of integrity in leadership.

Statement of the Problem

The success of an organization depends greatly on the leadership skills and style of a leader and the cooperation of his people. The “challenge for

leaders is how to get people to follow them because leaders without followers are not leaders at all” (Roberts 2015). As leaders grow their capacity to lead, they

enlarge the capacity of their organization to grow. Therefore, the best thing a leader can do for the organization is grow personally and to develop character because

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leadership is a character issue (Roberts, 2015). Most leadership experts agreed that integrity is foundational to leadership success. Thus, evaluating leadership

success in the context of integrity is desired. The study seeks to answer the following relevant questions:

1. Is there a biblical foundation for integrity?

2. What are some examples from Biblical characters?

3. What is the importance of integrity?

4. What is its relationship with leadership?

5. How can integrity be implemented in my ministries as a leader in the Church and school?

Statement of Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine and determine the importance of integrity as one of the character traits of a leader. It will also seek to ascertain

how leaders can execute integrity to influence others and for the effectiveness and advancement of their leadership. This study will help to grasp a better

understanding of integrity in the context of leadership.

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Integrity: Definition and Concepts

The meaning of integrity depends primarily on the activities in which it is understood or interpreted or on the activities for which it is implied. Thus, the

concept of integrity can be traced in medicine (the integrity of the patient), philosophy (the integrity of the soul), religion (the integrity of faith), industry (the

integrity of surface materials, constructions, reproductions), computer science (data integrity), management (personal integrity, organizational integrity), politics

(state integrity, integrity of a proceeding), the army (integrity of the military leader), the police and so on ( Šumi, & Mesner-Andolšek 2017).

“Integrity comes from the Latin ‘integritas’ meaning uprightness, truthfulness, authenticity, reliable consistency between word and deed and as such it

describes a kind of ‘wholeness’” (Worden, 2003, as cited in Shacklock, A. & Lewis, M. 2007). “Integrity is about aligning the inner world of your beliefs, ethics,

commitments, values, and desires with your actions and behavior in the outer world” (Suri, 2019, Chadwick 2019). Oxford defines integrity as the “quality of being

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honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness and the state of being whole and undivided.” In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word translated

“integrity” means “the condition of being without blemish, completeness, perfection, sincerity, soundness, uprightness, wholeness.” Integrity in the New Testament

means “honesty and adherence to a pattern of good works” (https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-integrity.html). For us Christians, integrity means “having character

that holds firmly together under all circumstances; it is wholeness and soundness within” (Nembhard, 2011).

Attributes and Traits

People with integrity have some observable positive character traits and attributes that people obviously see. The difference between trait and attribute is

that trait is an identifying characteristic, habit or trend while attribute is characteristic or quality of a thing (https://wikidiff.com/). The following are the traits of a

person with integrity as commonly shared by Solayvar (2019) and Brown (2018): Humility (they are humble), Goodness (they find joy in enriching the lives of those

around them), Authenticity (they are their true selves; they do not live under a set of lies or any masks), Honesty (they do not lie), Trustworthy (they can be trusted

and relied on), they give credit, they value your time, they don’t argue rudely, they give second chances, they are emotionally intuitive, Apologetic (they apologize

when they have gone too far), Accountability, Genuine, they ensure the team gets the credit, they do not name call, they have patience.

Moreover, people with integrity has the following traits; taking responsibility for their actions; putting others’ needs above their own; offering to help

others in need; giving others the benefit of the doubt; choosing honesty in all things; manifesting humility; able to admit they are wrong; showing respect to

everyone; and conveying true kindness.

IMPORTANCE AND RELATIONSHIP WITH LEADERSHIP

Integrity and Leadership

Integrity plays an important role in the success of leadership. It is the quality that every leader must possess as Eisenhower said, “the supreme quality of

leadership is unquestionably integrity.” This particular character trait is mutually desired by leaders and employees because it is beneficial to the growth of an

organization and in the achievement of the desired goals especially during the hardest times (Miller, 2012). Suri (2019) agreed with Miller that “with integrity as the

cornerstone, a leader can achieve unimaginable victories, together.” Consequently, leaders living with integrity have a huge impact and positive effects on the life of

their followers and the lack thereof creates a negative behavior leading to decreased productivity (Miller, 2012).

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 Leadership is an issue of character and Nikita (2010) suggests that “the single most important quality you can ever develop that will enhance every part of

your life is the value of integrity.” Almost in every aspect of life and leadership in an organization calls for a certain level of integrity. Thus, as Christian leaders,

integrity is much more needed in the administration in the home, church or school. It does play a huge role in servant and ethical leadership, Fabiya (2016).

Biblical Foundations for Integrity

Integrity in our world today plays a critical role in leading and influencing people. However, this character trait that implies moral incorruptibility has been

popularized a long time ago by biblical individuals like Samuel, Paul, David, and Christ himself. The Bible clearly recognized that integrity is required for leaders in

the performance of their duties to the Lord and people, a prerequisite for Christian leadership.

Jesus Christ is the perfect example of integrity. Jesus was tempted three times in every way but never yielded to temptations and sinned against God,

Jesus is the only one who was ever without blemish, perfect, completely truthful, and always showing a pattern of good works (Matthew 4: 1-11, Hebrews 4:15). Peter

understands that to live with integrity is to follow the example of Christ. He wrote;

“Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. ‘Do not fear their threats; do not
be frightened.’ But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope
that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in
Christ may be ashamed of their slander. For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. For Christ also suffered once for
sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit” (1 Peter 3: 13-18, ESV).
And indeed God cherishes followers who maintain and exemplify integrity in whatever circumstances in life like Job who choose to stick with Him no matter what:

Then the Lord asked Satan, “Have you noticed my servant Job? He is the finest man in all the earth. He is blameless—a man of complete integrity. He
fears God and stays away from evil. And he has maintained his integrity, even though you urged me to harm him without cause” (Job 2:3 NLT).

Another example of leadership with integrity is the one that Samuel exemplified. When people of Israel asked Samuel to a King and though God told him

that it is not him that is rejected by them but Him, Samuel opened himself to the scrutiny of everyone;

Here I stand. Testify against me in the presence of the Lord and his anointed. Whose ox have I taken? Whose donkey have I taken? Whom have I cheated?
Whom have I oppressed? From whose hand have I accepted a bribe to make me shut my eyes? If I have done any of these things, I will make it right.”
“You have not cheated or oppressed us,” they replied. “You have not taken anything from anyone’s hand” (1 Samuel 13: 3 - 4, NIV).

“Samuel recognized that integrity is crucial for leadership and he briefly itemized some elements that make up God’s standard for integrity in leadership” (Fabiya,

2016). Paul taught Titus to lead by setting a good example.

Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything, set them an example by doing what is good. Your teaching shows integrity,
seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say
about us. (Titus 2:7-8, NIV)

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 The prayers and songs of David (Psalms 24:3-4; Psalm 25:21; Psalm 41:12; Psalm 34:15) and the wise sayings of Solomon (Proverbs 15:1,4; Proverbs

10:9; Proverbs 13:5,6; Proverbs 16:6,11; Proverbs 20:28; Proverbs 28:18; Ecclesiastes 10:20) speak a lot of integrity, honesty, and faithfulness. The Bible are also full

of examples of integrity that were blessed like Jacob, returning money which had been placed in the sacks (Gen. 43:12); Joseph, in resisting Potiphar’s wife (Gen 39:8-

12); Moses, in taking nothing from the Israelites in consideration of his services (Nu 16:15); Nehemiah, reforming the civil service, and receiving no compensation for

his own services (Nehemiah 5:14-19). On the other hand, there also examples of lack of integrity that did not end well: Laban’s treatment of Jacob (Genesis 29:21-

30;31:36-42); Rachel steals the household gods (Genesis 31:19); Simeon and Levi deceive the Shechemites (Genesis 34:15-31); Achan hides the wedge of gold and the

Babylonian garment (Joshua 7:11-26); Micah steals one-thousand one-hundred pieces of silver (Judges 17:2); Ahab confiscates Naboth’s vineyard (2 Kings 21:2-16);

Judas’ hypocritical sympathy for the poor (2 John 12:6); Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-10); False teachers at Ephesus (Revelation 2:2).

To become people of uncompromised morality and integrity, God calls us to obey Him and ask His power. We, Christians should be those who adhere to

the truth and who do good works. Paul exhorts us to dwell on these things;

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any
excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these
things, and the God of peace will be with you (Phil. 4: 8, 9, NIV).

Christians should be those who cannot be bribed or compromised because we serve God rather than men (Colossians 3:17, 23; Acts 5:29) and bear in mind that “Jesus

Christ is the same yesterday, and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8, NIV).

Implementation of Integrity to Ministry as a

Leader in Adventist Institution/School
Undoubtedly, integrity is an essential character trait necessary to lead people and the organization to accomplish the entrusted work of God. White (1985)

reminds that it is the integrity of character that is of value to God. To implement integrity in the school, church and workplace, leaders are called to uphold a life based

on Christian principles, cultivate moral character within the environment of integrity and not to ignore the erosion of it (Capps, 2019). In his letter to Timothy, Paul

exhorts the young leader to “keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers” (1

Timothy 4: 16, NIV).

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 Furthermore, Micah 6: 8 asks us what the Lord requires of us. I may say to implement integrity in our ministry; his answer is very clear “to act justly, to

love mercy, to walk humbly with your God” (NIV). McMurhtry (2017) agrees that, to walk humbly with God is to walk with integrity. Nembhard (2011) a college and

university professor and administrator, suggests the following principles that leaders should uphold as they walk with integrity.

1. Clean Living. Leaders should live a life that is morally upright whatever the circumstances are, with an unbending character. Seek to preserve what is

true, honest, just and pure found in Phil. 4:8.

2. Walking the Walk. Leaders should demonstrate a non- negotiable standard of life like that of Joseph and Daniel who both face temptations but uphold

their beliefs by doing what they know is right, preventing themselves from living with two faces.

3. Faithful in the little things. Leaders should not only be mindful of major issues but also have a conscientious attention to the little things. By doing so,

leaders create a basis for integrity to take hold and thrive.

4. In practice. Leaders are called to choose to go against the prevailing view if it is against the truth, to choose wholeness, to have our inner lives centered

on right-doing.

CONCLUSION

Integrity is the most essential character trait a leader must possess in any leadership role – in the church, school, or home. Integrity is imperative in

maintaining the growth, productivity, and progress of the organization as well as the leader’s ability to influence other by example. The higher the individual’s

integrity, the better the individual is as a leader relates Šumi, & Mesner-Andolšek (2017). Biblical records show that the concept of integrity is a spiritual issue and that

anyone can never treat integrity as unimportant aspects of life (Matthew 6:2-18; John 3:19, 21; Ephesians 4:28; Psalm 51:6).

Maintaining integrity in leadership with all its components and elements will result to “servant leadership”. Because a person of integrity seeks to follow

the Lord’s will in his/ her dealing with people (Fairchild, 2021). His joy is tied to valuing the instruction of the Lord (Psalm 119:1). The scriptures is very clear about

the importance of integrity in leadership, it has a corresponding blessings both material and spiritual. And those who lead without integrity ended up inefficient and

cursed.

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 Jesus Christ exemplified integrity in His dealings with the disciples and in conquering the temptations of Satan to remain faithful to the mission given to

Him by the Father. Education leaders, whose main work is character development, integrity must be an integral part of our Adventist identity (Campbell, M.W. &

Mueller, E., 2017). Thus,

White (1903) concluded;

“The greatest want of the world is the want of men-men who will not be bought or sold; men who in their inmost souls are true and honest; men who do
not fear to call sin by its right name; men whose conscience is as true to duty as the needle to the pole; men who will stand for the right though the heavens
fall.”
(Education, p.57)

REFERENCES

Brown, J. O. (2014). "The Importance of Integrity in Christian Leadership: Giftedness

+ Integrity = Productivity," Journal of Applied Christian Leadership: Vol. 9: No.
1, 115-115. Available at: https://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/jacl/vol9/iss1/14

Brown, L. (2018). People with true integrity have these 18 awesome traits. Retrieved

from https://hackspirit.com/people-true-integrity-13-special-traits/

Capps, M. (2019). Integrity in Christian Leadership. Retrieved from

https://tabletalkmagazine.com/posts/integrity-in-christian-leadership-2019-07/

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Chadwick, S. (2019). What is the meaning of integrity? Retrieved from

https://accountable2you.com/blog/meaning-of-integrity/

Fairchild, Mary. (2021, March 4). 17 Bible Verses About Integrity. Retrieved from

https://www.learnreligions.com/bible-verses-about-integrity-699958

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https://www.johnmaxwell.com/blog/7-factors-that-influence-influence/

Miller, B.A. (2012). Leadership: How Important Is Integrity? Retrieved from

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McMurtry, K.P. (2017). Do Right, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly.

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setting-guide.com/the-importance-of-integrity/

Paseggi, M. (2018). Adventist Review. https://www.adventistreview.org/

Roberts, G. E. (2015). Developing Christian Servant Leadership: Faith-Based

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of integrity and good governance. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/29466549

Singh, J. (2015). How to influence with integrity. Retrieved from

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 Solayvar, M.A. (2019). 18 Traits of a Person with Integrity. Retrieved from.

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Websites:

https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-integrity.html

https://www.powerofpositivity.com/integrity-traits/

https://www.bibletruths.org/the-importance-of-integrity/

https://strengthscape.com/importance-of-leadership-in-organizational-development/