VN March 2023

Vetnuus | Maart 2023 2 At a recent Executive Committee meeting, Veterinary Integrity was tabled for discussion. It prompted me to delve a bit into the topic. Do we know what integrity is, the traits associated with integrity, integrity in the workplace and how to foster it? Wikipedia defines integrity as the practice of being honest and consistently adhering to strong moral and ethical principles and values. In ethics, integrity is regarded as the honesty and truthfulness or accuracy of one’s actions. Some common synonyms of integrity are honesty, honour, and probity (goodness/purity). While all these words mean “uprightness of character or action,” integrity implies trustworthiness and incorruptibility to the degree that one is incapable of being false to a trust, responsibility, or pledge. The traits associated with integrity are: • Expressing gratitude for others • Valuing honesty and openness • Taking responsibility and accountability for your actions, good and bad • Respecting yourself and others around you no matter where you are • Demonstrating reliability and trustworthiness • Showing patience and flexibility, even when unexpected obstacles show Dependability. Dependability means people can rely on you and that you keep promises. Having integrity at work means you: • Are reliable and dependable (i.e., you show up to work on time) • Are trustworthy, especially with classified information and high-risk tasks • Practice and encourage open communication with your colleagues and managers • Are respectful, honest, and patient with your colleagues, managers, and customers • Have a strong work ethic and strive to produce high-quality work consistently • Are responsible for your actions, especially when you make a mistake • Make sound decisions, even under high-stress situations • Are equipped to provide high-quality service to your customers Integrity at work: • Promotes better leaders • Helps foster an open and positive work environment • Promotes an ethical approach to decision-making • Encourages diversity, equity, and inclusion • Promotes strong and resilient teams • Actively builds and maintains trust Integrity at work can be fostered by: • Respecting others’ opinions • Addressing conflict honestly and respectfully • Being a role model • Being ready to work • Reporting unethical behaviour It is of major concern that the integrity of veterinarians is tabled at an Executive Committee meeting for discussion. If we want to live up to our credo, some introspection of our conduct may be required. Let us live up to the expectations placed on us by our clients to always act with integrity. v Kind regards, Paul van der Merwe From the President Dear members, The integrity of men is to be measured by their conduct, not by their professions. Junius