Which of the following best supports a culture of integrity in an organization?

Fostering trust among team members is essential for supporting a culture of integrity within an organization. When trust is built among employees, it enhances collaboration and open communication, which are critical components of a healthy workplace environment. A culture of integrity relies on individuals feeling safe to express their concerns and report unethical behaviors without fear of retribution.

Trust promotes transparency, as team members are more likely to share information and resources, leading to better decision-making and accountability. When employees believe that their colleagues are acting ethically and are committed to the organization's values, they are more inclined to uphold those standards themselves. This collective commitment to integrity helps prevent fraudulent behavior and creates a strong ethical foundation for the organization.

In contrast, a competitive environment can sometimes encourage individuals to prioritize personal gain over ethical conduct, while minimizing the importance of ethical behavior undermines the organization’s ability to instill a commitment to integrity. Limiting access to internal controls may portray a lack of trust and transparency, which can ultimately damage the integrity of the overall organizational culture. Thus, fostering trust is the most conducive approach for cultivating a culture of integrity.