Written by Jan Heuer, Kliemt.HR Lawyers
The upcoming implementation of the EU Whistleblowing Directive is a good occasion to take a closer look at the cultural implications of whistleblowing in Germany.
Germany
A country’s culture and the question of how whistleblowing is understood and perceived by society has a huge influence on the acceptance of whistleblowing measures in organisations. Whistleblowing tools can only be used effectively and bring benefits if these measures find acceptance within the workforce .
In Germany, the literal translation of the term ‘whistleblowing’ into German already causes difficulties. It leads to an implication of ‘snitching’ on someone and is therefore negatively tainted. Deviating from the literal translation, whistleblowing is more objectively defined as providing information about internal irregularities or violations of the law without being subject to disciplinary action.
Historical influences on social perception of whistleblowing
While whistleblowing is mainly perceived in a positive light in Anglo-American common law countries, whistleblowers in Germany are to this day often regarded as informants. The reasons for this are mainly attributed to the historical experience of National Socialism and the German Democratic Republic (GDR).
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