By Elvis Eromosele
Integrity has always been one of the most valuable traits in both personal and professional life. It sets a clear line between what is acceptable and what is not. During my time at MTN Nigeria, a significant lesson on integrity was ingrained in me by Funmi Onajide, General Manager, Corporate Affairs, at the time. During my first appraisal, I had checked a ‘2’ for integrity. Her response was quick and firm: “No. It is either you have integrity or you don’t.” She insisted that if I did, I should rate it as a ‘4’, otherwise take the other extreme. This lesson has stuck with me, reinforcing the idea that there is no middle ground with integrity. You either possess it, or you don’t.
The importance of integrity goes beyond individual behaviour. It extends to how organisations operate and how they are perceived by the public. One of the reasons companies in corporate Nigeria are thriving is that they have placed a high emphasis on integrity. But what exactly makes integrity the cornerstone of success in these companies?
Karl Eller, a legendary figure in the Out-of-Home advertising industry, made an insightful observation:
“Without integrity, motivation is dangerous; Without motivation, capacity is impotent; Without capacity, understanding is limited; Without understanding, knowledge is meaningless; Without knowledge, experience is blind.”
This chain of thought illustrates the domino effect that integrity has across various facets of work and life. At its core, integrity is a foundation that enables other qualities to flourish—motivation, capacity, understanding, and knowledge. Without it, even the best intentions or significant resources will falter.
In the corporate world, this principle is no less crucial. Companies that fail to place integrity at the forefront risk creating environments where motivation is driven by self-interest or manipulation. On the other hand, when integrity is part of the DNA of an organisation, it becomes easier to foster a motivated, knowledgeable, and high-capacity workforce.
For businesses to thrive, especially in an economy as dynamic as Nigeria’s, they must establish a culture where integrity is non-negotiable. Some of the most successful companies in Nigeria today adhere to stringent ethical standards and have a reputation for doing business the right way. This commitment to integrity builds trust with stakeholders—customers, employees, investors, and regulatory bodies.
Trust, in turn, accelerates progress. In an industry riddled with complexities and regulations, trust simplifies business transactions. Whether it’s acquiring permits, dealing with suppliers, or managing customer complaints, trust reduces friction. The more trust an organisation builds, the more efficiently it can operate.
This is why companies that prioritize integrity see productivity improvements. Their employees are more engaged, knowing they are part of an organization that values ethical behaviour. Investors feel secure knowing their money is being managed responsibly. Even customers, who might have never met the CEO or management team, develop loyalty because they trust the brand.
Moreover, in an era where short-term wins are often prioritized, it’s important to understand that integrity is a key driver for sustainable growth. While cutting corners might offer immediate gains, the long-term consequences can be catastrophic. Companies that prioritize integrity are often more resilient in times of crisis. This is because their foundation of trust helps them weather storms, whether regulatory, financial, or reputational.
Nigeria’s corporate landscape offers numerous examples of how integrity can lead to long-term success. Take for instance companies in the banking sector that faced financial crises. Those who maintained transparency with their customers and stakeholders bounced back quickly and maintained market confidence. In contrast, companies that engaged in fraudulent practices were either liquidated or lost significant market share.
It’s important to recognize that integrity doesn’t happen by accident. Companies need to cultivate it deliberately. This begins with leadership. Leaders must embody the values of integrity, transparency, and accountability. Their actions should reflect the ethical principles they expect from their teams.
Training programs on ethical conduct and decision-making can also help employees understand the importance of integrity in their daily tasks. Regular appraisals and assessments, much like my experience at MTN Nigeria, can serve as reminders that integrity is not a checkbox but a daily practice.
Additionally, organisations must establish clear systems for accountability. Employees should know that unethical behaviour will not be tolerated. This includes having proper reporting systems in place for whistleblowers and ensuring that those who report misconduct are protected.
The fact is that integrity is more than just a virtue; it’s a strategic asset. As Karl Eller noted, “Make absolute integrity the compass that guides you in everything you do.” Companies that adopt this compass are more likely to succeed in an increasingly competitive and unpredictable corporate environment. Integrity drives trust, and trust drives both progress and productivity.
More importantly, it ensures that companies not only achieve their goals but do so in a way that fosters sustainable growth and long-term success.
In Nigeria, where the business landscape is as volatile as it is promising, companies that prioritize integrity will always rise above those that don’t. It’s no surprise that organisations thriving today are those that have made integrity a fundamental part of their operations. They understand that in the corporate world, integrity is not just an ethical choice—it’s a competitive advantage.
Eromosele, a corporate communication professional and public affairs analyst, wrote via: elviseroms@gmail.com
