By Ruth Nakandi
An organization where there is no sharing of information between two or more individuals, work place issues such as employee turnover and wastage of organization resources often arise. Effective accountability and integrity should be encouraged for the success of the organization.
“Accountability and integrity are some of the most important values individuals can exercise at the work place.” Says Richard Mugisha, managing director of Mugisha fabrications in Mukono.
‘’Accountability is being answerable for an action you took at the work place while integrity describes an individual who makes a choice to commit to honesty before she is faced with choosing between right and wrong.” He explains.
Richard says that when employees and employers are mutually accountable to each other, employees can trust that their work will be rewarded appropriately.
‘’Accountability between two parties at the work place along with leadership integrity can help provide employees with a sense of empowerment and belonging in the company.’’ He adds.
Richard also says that accountability allows employees to exercise autonomy with the expectation that they will feel more invested in the company and therefore will perform better, more efficiently and more creatively.
‘’When employees practice accountability and integrity in the workplace, they tend to feel more proud in the place of employment. Because of accountability and integrity practiced, they are more likely to work more efficiently, reduce risks and have better loss control at the work place.’’ He explains.
Richard adds that managers acting with integrity and practicing accountability are more likely to project a sense of stability to employees . This will help managers to build trust in their employees.
‘’ Employees with bosses who have integrity are more accountable to them knowing that their managers will share company information regarding goals.” He notes.
Richard says that since the leaders of the company serve as a foundation of the company, being accountable and promoting integrity is one of the best ways to lead by example. If the management allows its leaders to act without accountability and integrity, other employees will follow suit.
Richard adds that leaders will become upset on producing a highly engaged workforce if they do not first achieve a culture of accountability.
‘’Accountability is crucial to any human operation in which work must get done efficiently, effectively and within the budget.” Says Jackie Mirembe, the manager of Joy supermarket and guest house in Mitooma.
She adds that consider a work place environment where employees are highly engaged while others are unaccountable for meeting deadlines and performs at a substandard level. This is likely to frustrate those who are loyal to their work.
Jackie says that when there is a drop in accountability and integrity, there will also be a drop in productivity, product and service quality, worker retention and employee wellness.
“When employees turn in poor work or fail to meet expectations, hold them accountable, educate them on expectations and help them improve. “She notes.
Jackie adds that it is so important to recognize and reward employees who follow guidelines, act appropriately, meet or exceed expectations.