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The inspector general (IG) community stresses economy, efficiency and effectiveness. Internal audit and investigations, two key functions typically assigned to offices of inspector general (OIG), help achieve these goals and ensure governments' sustainability.
In a Journal article published in fall 2015, Matthew D. Harris, an assistant special agent in charge with the U.S. Postal Service OIG, discussed five traits for IG effectiveness: interpersonal and communicative skills; personal independence; learning the organization; building relationships with stakeholders; and respect for the IG mission
Building and maintaining effective trusting relationships is an ongoing priority for the OIG and was the focus of a Florida Chapter of Association of Inspectors General panel discussion in October 2016. Four Florida agency heads - moderated by Florida's Chief IG, Melinda Miguel - offered insight on what practices OIGs can utilize to develop and maintain trust with senior management.
Three pillars of trust emerged: integrity, communication and reliability. Without all three, trust in a relationship could fail; however, with all three pillars, a firm foundation for building and maintaining trusting relationships is formed.
Pillar One: Integrity
President Dwight D. Eisenhower once said, "The supreme quality for leadership is unquestionably integrity. Without it, no real success is possible..." Success is the driving force behind internal audit: success of the business or company, success for the people who serve, and success for benefiting customers. Integrity is a fundamental component of internal audit's mission, which, according to the Institute of Internal Auditors, is...