Initiative aims to spread integrity culture through informal communication
Yeoncheon-gun is launching two programs — "Integrity Pass" and "Integrity Communication (Coffee-Chat)" — to break down hierarchical workplace norms and promote a culture of integrity through open dialogue among employees.
According to Yeoncheon-gun on Tuesday, the initiative was designed not merely to move away from entrenched habits, but to help natural communication and mutual encouragement become a routine part of the organization's culture.
The Integrity Pass program uses departmental award funds to issue coffee vouchers that employees can redeem freely. The Coffee-Chat component takes the concept further, using those vouchers as a vehicle for candid conversations between staff at different levels — allowing superiors and subordinates to exchange work ideas and concerns without the weight of rank.
The county expects the programs to narrow the psychological distance between staff at different levels and significantly expand opportunities for dialogue, while naturally embedding values of mutual respect and integrity into everyday interactions.
"We plan to continuously run the integrity communication program by actively reflecting employees' opinions and satisfaction, and to build a public service culture where a flat, respectful organizational environment and integrity take root naturally," said Kwon Yeong-min, the county's administrative affairs officer.
pjh@heraldcorp.com
