{"id":157,"date":"2025-08-29T19:27:55","date_gmt":"2025-08-29T19:27:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.waltertansini.nl\/?page_id=157"},"modified":"2025-09-10T15:47:38","modified_gmt":"2025-09-10T15:47:38","slug":"blog-integrity-and-the-mafia","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.waltertansini.nl\/index.php\/blog-integrity-and-the-mafia\/","title":{"rendered":"Blog: Integrity and the Mafia"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-base-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-d89aad35 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-549b0c86 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-container-core-column-is-layout-119bc444 wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-87beb0d0 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>At first glance, integrity and the Mafia sound like contradictions. Organised crime is built on violence, fear, and exploitation. Yet if we look more closely through the lens of the&nbsp;<em>Organisational Integrity Framework<\/em>, we find that many of its elements are not only present, but central to how such organisations function. The difference lies not in the framework\u2019s mechanics, but in the ethical foundation that guides it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Promises and Honour<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The mafia is, in many ways, an organisation built on promises. Loyalty oaths, codes of silence, and commitments to family or clan are treated with the utmost seriousness. Breaking a promise is punished harshly, while those who honour their word are rewarded with trust and status. In this sense, the mafia lives by a version of \u201cconsistency between word and action.\u201d Integrity, as defined by honouring promises, is enforced more strictly there than in many lawful corporations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Virtues in Practice<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The core virtues also play a role.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Trustworthiness<\/strong>&nbsp;is essential: members must be reliable and discreet, since betrayal could mean prison or death.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Courage<\/strong>&nbsp;is celebrated, whether in facing rivals, enduring hardship, or keeping silent under pressure.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Authenticity<\/strong>\u00a0is valued in the sense of being true to the mafia\u2019s code and identity. Pretending to belong without truly committing is considered dishonourable.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Justice<\/strong>, within the mafia\u2019s framework, often means retribution and strict fairness within the group: debts are collected, betrayals avenged, disputes settled by \u201cfamily law.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In many respects, the mafia applies the framework more consistently than many legitimate organisations: promises cascade from bosses to lieutenants to soldiers, each level responsible for honouring them; transparency is maintained internally (though hidden from outsiders); and character is constantly tested.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where the Difference Lies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The crucial difference is in the\u00a0<strong>ethical framework<\/strong>. For the mafia, the guiding principles are not equality or stewardship of the society as a whole, but loyalty to the family, the pursuit of profit, and the maintenance of power. Outsiders\u2014whether rival gangs, businesses, or even entire communities\u2014are not part of the moral circle. Violence and exploitation can be fully consistent with promises made, and therefore \u201cintegrity\u201d in their sense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From the outside, this feels like a distortion of integrity. But within the mafia\u2019s ethical framework, it makes sense. A soldier who sacrifices himself to protect the boss is honoured. A capo who enforces payment without mercy is respected. In both cases, the virtues are present\u2014but they are shaped by an ethical framework that radically differs from that of broader society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Legitimate Organisations Can Learn<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It may feel uncomfortable to say, but lawful organisations can learn something from the mafia\u2019s effectiveness in applying the mechanics of integrity. What stands out is the&nbsp;<strong>clarity and consistency<\/strong>&nbsp;with which promises are made and enforced. Every member knows what is expected, what the consequences are if promises are broken, and how their own role fits into the bigger picture. This clarity creates alignment and accountability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In contrast, many legitimate organisations struggle with vague promises, diluted accountability, or leadership messages that are not carried through in practice. Employees are told that \u201cvalues matter,\u201d but see leaders act differently. Stakeholders are given promises that later prove unrealistic or contradictory. Integrity breaks down not because people lack good intentions, but because promises are unclear or inconsistently honoured.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What non-criminal organisations can learn is that:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Promises must be explicit and visible<\/strong>: Employees and stakeholders need to understand what the organisation commits to, and how these commitments cascade down.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Consequences must be consistent<\/strong>: If promises are not honoured, there should be transparency and accountability.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Alignment must be enforced<\/strong>: Leaders must embody the same framework as employees, and groups must not operate with conflicting versions of \u201cintegrity&#8221;- specifically with conflicting promises.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The ethical framework must remain central<\/strong>: Unlike the mafia, legitimate organisations must anchor their promises and virtues in an ethical (and legal) framework of the society in which they act.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>By combining the mafia\u2019s&nbsp;<strong>discipline in promises<\/strong>&nbsp;with a&nbsp;<strong>constructive ethical framework<\/strong>, lawful organisations can apply the&nbsp;<em>Organisational Integrity Framework<\/em>&nbsp;more effectively. However, legitimate organizations lack the (physical) enforcement capabilities. It therefore requires an organizational telos and ethical framework which envigorates the employees to such an extend, that the commitment is voluntary. The result is an organisation where integrity is not just a slogan, but a lived reality that guides behavior consistently at every level. Such behavior can &#8211; at least superficially be seen in ideologically driven organizations. But that is a subject for a blog in itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-accent-5-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-d89aad35 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-1da03c2a wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:60%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-rounded wp-duotone-duotone-1 is-style-rounded--1\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.waltertansini.nl\/wp-content\/themes\/twentytwentyfour\/assets\/images\/abstract-geometric-art.webp\" alt=\"White abstract geometric artwork from Dresden, Germany\" style=\"aspect-ratio:4\/3;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:40%\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Guiding your business through the project<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Experience the fusion of imagination and expertise with \u00c9tudes \u2013 the catalyst for architectural transformations that enrich the world around us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\">Our services<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-669513ed wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-ce155fab wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-xx-large-font-size\">Meet our team<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Our comprehensive suite of professionals caters to a diverse team, ranging from seasoned architects to renowned engineers.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-4935966c wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"padding-right:0;padding-left:0\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-content-justification-center is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-21d4e958 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<strong>Francesca Piovani<\/strong>\n\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">Founder, CEO, and Architect<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-content-justification-center is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-63bfd6c1 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<strong>Rhye Moore<\/strong>\n\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">Engineering Manager<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-content-justification-center is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-63bfd6c1 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<strong>Helga Steiner<\/strong>\n\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">Architect<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-content-justification-center is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-21d4e958 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<strong>Ivan Lawrence<\/strong>\n\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">Project Manager<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-d89aad35 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide has-base-2-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:16px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">We\u2019ve worked with some of the best companies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10)\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-f95ffa09 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:0;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:0\">\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-base-color has-contrast-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-0c6e0270bbe219c20680704fb727f286 has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-d89aad35 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading alignwide has-base-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-c9b5699bdecff18878afa112249018b5\" style=\"font-size:clamp(4.509rem, 4.509rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 9.152), 10rem);letter-spacing:-0.02em\">FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-base-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-base-background-color has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading alignwide has-base-2-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-aaab986b024c2d4977bb000716db54d9\">What is your process working in smaller projects?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-contrast-1-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-f4901af25f980d5c1e1c1683816574dd\">\u00c9tudes offers comprehensive consulting, management, design, and research solutions. Our vision is to be at the forefront of architectural innovation, fostering a global community of architects and enthusiasts united by a passion for creating spaces. Every architectural endeavour is an opportunity to shape the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-base-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-base-background-color has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading alignwide has-base-2-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-6841db075a14f0d13730a94476d47523\">Who is behind \u00c9tudes?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-contrast-1-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-f4901af25f980d5c1e1c1683816574dd\">\u00c9tudes offers comprehensive consulting, management, design, and research solutions. Our vision is to be at the forefront of architectural innovation, fostering a global community of architects and enthusiasts united by a passion for creating spaces. Every architectural endeavour is an opportunity to shape the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-base-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-base-background-color has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading alignwide has-base-2-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-39ea32c6355da907b8471851adc98695\">I&#8217;d like to get to meet fellow architects, how can I do that?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-contrast-1-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-f4901af25f980d5c1e1c1683816574dd\">\u00c9tudes offers comprehensive consulting, management, design, and research solutions. Our vision is to be at the forefront of architectural innovation, fostering a global community of architects and enthusiasts united by a passion for creating spaces. Every architectural endeavour is an opportunity to shape the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-base-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-base-background-color has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading alignwide has-base-2-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-78f520ac6cd959b539da8bed9b65b7a2\">Can I apply to be a part of the team or work as a contractor?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-contrast-1-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-f4901af25f980d5c1e1c1683816574dd\">\u00c9tudes offers comprehensive consulting, management, design, and research solutions. Our vision is to be at the forefront of architectural innovation, fostering a global community of architects and enthusiasts united by a passion for creating spaces. Every architectural endeavour is an opportunity to shape the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);margin-bottom:0;height:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10)\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-d89aad35 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-47c06fe3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Enhance your architectural journey with the \u00c9tudes Architect app.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul style=\"line-height:1.75\" class=\"wp-block-list is-style-checkmark-list\">\n<li>Collaborate with fellow architects.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Showcase your projects.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Experience the world of architecture.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\">Download app<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-outline is-style-outline--6\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\">How it works<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-rounded is-style-rounded--7\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.waltertansini.nl\/wp-content\/themes\/twentytwentyfour\/assets\/images\/abstract-geometric-art.webp\" alt=\"White abstract geometric artwork from Dresden, Germany\" style=\"aspect-ratio:4\/3;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>At first glance, integrity and the Mafia sound like contradictions. Organised crime is built on violence, fear, and exploitation. Yet if we look more closely through the lens of the&nbsp;Organisational Integrity Framework, we find that many of its elements are not only present, but central to how such organisations function. The difference lies not in [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-157","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.waltertansini.nl\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/157","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.waltertansini.nl\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.waltertansini.nl\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.waltertansini.nl\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.waltertansini.nl\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=157"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.waltertansini.nl\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/157\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":205,"href":"https:\/\/www.waltertansini.nl\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/157\/revisions\/205"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.waltertansini.nl\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=157"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}