German Approach
Germans avoid hearings. Allowing the conflict parties to go head-to-head increases tension, making it more difficult to resolve the conflict. In Germany the conflicting parties are interviewed separately. Patterns
American Approach
Americans expect a hearing. The conflict parties, in the presence of each other, make their case. Self-defense is only possible when one knows what the other side is accusing them of. Patterns
American View
The absence of a hearing is viewed by Americans as a loss of the fundamental right to self-defense. The German approach of separate hearings is considered ineffective, secretive, fundamentally unjust.
German View
An American hearing is seen as unprofessional, antagonistic and counterproductive. It pits colleague against colleague, in competition with each other, in an open forum. It adds „oil to the fire.“
Advice to Germans
If you have an American boss and are in conflict with an American colleague be prepared for your hearing. It will come sooner than you think. If you lead Americans, and a conflict has been escalated to you, they‘ll expect you to hold some kind of a hearing. Do it quickly.
Advice to Americans
If you lead Germans, and a conflict is finally brought to your level, do not hold a hearing. Talk to the conflict parties separately. Prevent any kind of direct dueling among the conflict parties in your presence.
If you have a German manager, you will most likely not get an American-style „day in court“. The „judge“ will speak with you individually. You won‘t know the case made by your colleague, with whom you are in conflict.