The Biblical Virtue of Integrity and its Value in the Marketplace: Examples from United Airlines, Enron, Patagonia and Starbucks

What does integrity mean to you? To me, integrity is acting in accordance with my moral and ethical principles, even when it's difficult or I'm under pressure to do otherwise. Integrity is being honest and sincere, and sticking to my commitments. Integrity is also about being complete or undivided in my thoughts and actions; not letting my personal beliefs or values be corrupted by outside influences.

Integrity is a cornerstone of good character. People with integrity are generally reliable, trustworthy, and principled. They're also usually successful in their endeavors, because they're honest and hardworking. We all need to work on our integrity, myself included. But it's a journey worth taking.

The Bible talks about the importance of integrity. In Psalm 101:6, it says "those who lead blameless lives will fear the Lord." And in Proverbs 10:9, it says "whoever walks with integrity walks securely." These verses show that God desires His people to live lives of integrity. When we live with integrity, we can be confident that He will bless us and guide our steps.

According to the Harvard Business Review, "Integrity is one of the most important values for a business leader, because it is at the core of everything she does. Leaders with integrity are honest and ethical, and they stand up for what they believe in. They build trust by doing what they say they will do, and they take responsibility for their actions. Employees who work for an ethical leader feel good about their job and are more likely to be productive and loyal."

In today's business world, it is more important than ever to act with integrity. With the rise of social media, one misstep can quickly become a PR nightmare. Just think about the last time you saw a company in the news for all the wrong reasons. It likely involved some sort of ethical lapse, and the company's reputation was likely damaged as a result. One example of this is the 2017 scandal involving United Airlines and a passenger who was forcibly removed from his seat. The video of the incident quickly went viral, and United was widely criticized for its handling of the situation.

Another example of a company that failed the test of integrity is Enron. Enron was once one of the largest companies in the United States, but it filed for bankruptcy in 2001 after being caught up in a financial scandal. The company lied to its shareholders and employees that it was doing well when, in reality, it was facing bankruptcy due to years of fraudulent accounting practices. As a result, many people lost their jobs and their retirement savings.

On the flip side, there are companies that have built their reputations on being honest and trustworthy. One such company is Patagonia. Patagonia is a clothing company that is known for its environmental sustainability practices. The company has also been outspoken about political issues, such as the need to protect public lands. In 2011, Patagonia ran an ad campaign with the tagline "Don't Buy This Jacket" in an effort to discourage consumers from buying products that they don't need. The campaign was successful in getting people to think about their consumption habits, and it helped solidify Patagonia's reputation as a company with integrity.

Another example is that of Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz who announced in 2011 that the company would start paying its employees at least $10 an hour. This was significantly higher than the minimum wage at the time. He did this even though it would likely mean lower profits for the company. Schultz said that he made the decision because he believed it was the right thing to do. Starbucks employees praised Schultz for his decision, and many said that it made them feel appreciated and valued. The move also won Schultz some praise from the public. In fact, he was even named one of Time magazine's "100 Most Influential People" in 2012. Starbucks has also been successful financially, with profits reaching $6.3 billion in 2018. Their commitment to integrity is one of the reasons for their success. 

These examples show us that the Biblical virtue of integrity is not just a buzzword or an optional value; it is essential for any person or business that wants to be successful. When companies act with integrity, they are more likely to build trust with their employees, customers, and shareholders. And when there is trust, there is often loyalty. When we live with integrity, we can be confident that God will bless us and guide our steps. As Proverbs 11:3 says, "The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity." We may not always see the immediate benefits of living with integrity, but we can be sure that it is the right thing to do. And in the end, that is all that really matters.