It is Not the Lack of Good People That Undermines Institutional Integrity (The Story of the Clan)

Integrity is important because it builds trust and strengthens overall institutional performance. However, it is often treated as a buzzword—something that looks good in theory but is not consistently practiced. Many factors influence whether individuals, and those under their authority, choose ethical behavior over self-interest.

Consider the hypothetical “Story of the Clan,” an allegory that illustrates both the presence and absence of integrity within an institution. In this scenario, manipulative and self-interested individuals learn to exploit their positions and networks for personal gain, even if it harms others. Over time, these behaviors become normalized, creating a toxic culture where misconduct is not only tolerated but embedded.

(Illustrative)

"It is the mark of an educated man
to be able to entertain a thought
without accepting it."
Socrates

This creates a fundamental problem: an institution that is meant to uphold legal and moral standards instead drifts into corruption and exclusion. In the story, certain groups—such as minorities, veterans, the elderly, and children—become targets if they do not conform. Serious violations of core rights emerge, driven by a focus on identity over principle.

Even when wrongdoing becomes widely known and victims come forward, the consequences persist. Some decision-makers begin to view people as more or less deserving based on superficial traits rather than shared principles or contributions. As a result, those responsible for misconduct may be protected or even rewarded, while accountability is avoided. Efforts to conceal wrongdoing further erode trust, and higher levels of oversight may reflect the same divisions.

In contrast, an alternative version of the story highlights what institutional integrity should look like. In this scenario, leaders recognize that all individuals have inherent value, and they act in ways that uphold fairness and justice. Integrity becomes the foundation for trust, and institutions strive toward the highest ethical standards. Surveys, collaboration, recruitment and metrics of trust rise. Those committed to justice work to correct wrongdoing, even when others resist.

This contrast underscores the importance of institutional integrity. When systems are influenced by extreme partisanship, external pressures (PACS that foster manipulation and misinformation), social influence, or a lack of accountability, they risk violating fundamental rights such as freedom of speech and religion. Tax dollars are misused to support foundational erosion. A failure to uphold ethical responsibilities can lead to long-term harm. This is why you should pick the best and brightest and not the most connected. 

Because this is a learning story, the ending is open. One possibility is that the majority of principled individuals take a stand, challenge harmful behavior, and protect future victims. Yet even then, unresolved issues may remain if systems fail to hold all actors accountable. The core challenge is not the absence of good people, but the lack of effective checks and balances for those who abandon ethical principles in favor of power, loyalty, or ideology.

This hypothetical scenario invites reflection. There may not be a single “right” conclusion, but there are more and less constructive ways to respond. Ultimately, time and accountability reveal the consequences of choices made—for individuals and institutions alike. What do you think?

Integrity: What It Is and Why It Is Important

• Integrity is a central concept in governance and public administration, increasingly emphasized in both research and policymaking contexts.
• The concept of integrity is not singular; it includes multiple interpretations, with at least eight distinct perspectives identified in the literature.
• Integrity is closely connected to related ideas such as ethics, corruption, and good governance, and should be understood alongside these frameworks rather than as a replacement.
• It plays a crucial role in understanding how institutions function and maintain legitimacy, particularly within public sector organizations.
• Integrity should be embedded within existing ethical theories and governance approaches to strengthen both theoretical development and practical application.
• The article highlights the need for more empirical research to better understand how integrity operates in real-world governance settings.
• Overall, integrity is positioned as a foundational element for improving accountability, reducing corruption, and promoting effective governance systems.

Huberts, L. W. J. C. (2018). Integrity: What it is and why it is important. Public Integrity, 20(Sup1), S18–S32. https://doi.org/10.1080/10999922.2018.1477404