SMS Competency - Honesty and Integrity

This is one of eleven competences that appear in the SMS Competency Framework for senior managers in South Africa's Public Service. All these competences are viewed as being critical for high performance in the senior manager’s role. The eleven competences are:

1. Strategic Capability and Leadership;
2. Programme and Project Management;
3. Financial Management;
4. Change Management;
5. Knowledge Management;
6. Service Delivery Innovation;
7. Problem Solving and Analysis;
8. People Management and Empowerment;
9. Client Orientation and Customer Focus;
10. Communication;
11. Honesty and Integrity;

Competency definition

Must be able to display and build the highest standards of ethical and moral conduct in order to promote confidence and trust in the Public Service.

Proficiency level

Basic

• Realises the implications of not speaking and acting with integrity, but needs guidance in implementing these principles;
• Follows through on commitments under supervision; and
• Follows the rules and regulations of the organisation.

Competent

• Conducts self in accordance with organisational values;
• Admits own mistakes and weaknesses and seeks help from others where unable to deliver;
• Reports fraud, corruption, nepotism and maladministration;
• Honours the confidentiality of matters and does not use it for personal gain or the gain of others;
• Deals promptly, and in the interest of the State, with situations where conflict of interest arises;
• Establishes trust and shows confidence in others;
• Treats all employees with equal respect;
• Takes responsibility for own actions;
• Undertakes roles and responsibilities in a sincere and honest manner;
• Uses work time for organisational matters and not for personal matters; and
• Shares information openly, whilst respecting the principle of confidentiality.

Advanced

• Develops and applies self-corrective measures;
• Makes proposals and recommendations in a way that wins the trust and support of others;
• Promotes transparent and accountable administration;
• Presents ideas and beliefs in a manner which is consistent with the rules and regulations of the organisation/department;
• Acts decisively against corrupt and dishonest conduct;
• Promotes the values and beliefs of the organisation internally and externally;
• Co-operates with others and works as a team and not for personal benefit; and
• Oversees the acceptance of responsibility and accountability in the organisation

Expert

• Creates an environment where integrity, honesty and accountability flourish;
• Develops and implements anti corruption measures;
• Is widely recognised as an expert in fighting fraud, corruption and other acts of dishonesty;
• Sets shared accountabilities and integrity standards across the organisation in support of organisational objectives;
• Is fully responsible for own actions even if it reflects negatively on self or organisation; and
• Creates a culture of accountability.

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Copyright RSA Department of Public Service and Administration: SMS Handbook - Chapter 5: Competency Framework (2003).

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Related pages

Your Values - Value Scorecard

External Links

Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA), Republic of South Africa