Barriers to speaking up: A psychological perspective
This article delves into the psychological and social barriers faced by employees when raising concerns, illustrating the fear of ostracism and isolation. It provides an understanding of why silence often prevails and offers strategies for fostering a more supportive SpeakUp culture.
Speaking up is inherently challenging. Human nature harbors a fear of being ostracised, making the journey of those who raise concerns fraught with difficulty. This article explores prominent theories and real-life experiences surrounding the SpeakUp dilemma.
The reporter's destiny: An example
The story of a former "whistleblower" encapsulates the harsh reality many face. Featured in the Dutch TV documentary ‘Klokkenluiders in de kou’ (Nova Zembla 2008), this individual is depicted arriving at his villa in a red sports car. Despite receiving a substantial reward through the US False Claims Act, he reveals he has no friends left and no social network to rely on. Financially wealthy, he is socially destitute. This plight underscores why silence is often the path chosen—fear of social exclusion outweighs the moral imperative to speak up.
The human condition: Fear of ostracism
George Simmel aptly noted in 1906, "All relationships of people to each other rest, as a matter of course, upon the precondition that they know something about each other." This understanding is foundational to social cohesion. When an individual disrupts this balance by reporting misconduct, they risk alienation and the loss of their social network. This fear, and sometimes the reality, of being outcast, pushes many to stay silent.
The fear of exclusion and the potential reality of being ostracised make speaking up a significant dilemma. As we continue to refine our SpeakUp programmes, understanding these human and social dynamics is crucial. We must strive to create environments where employees feel safe and supported when raising concerns, addressing not just the procedural aspects but the social implications as well.
Parts of this article draw from the thesis “Condemn Silence, Honour the Whistleblower?” by Evita Slijper Sips (2009), highlighting the deep-seated challenges in fostering a culture of openness. The dilemma is not just about speaking up; it's about navigating the intricate social dynamics that come with it.