The German Research Foundation’s code of good scientific practice sets out who may be named as an author. An author is someone who made “einen genuinen, nachvollziehbaren Beitrag,” a genuine contribution that others can trace, to the content of the work. The explanations add a sentence aimed at the top of the hierarchy. “Eine Leitungs- oder Vorgesetztenfunktion begründet für sich allein keine Mitautorschaft.” A leading or supervisory position does not by itself justify co-authorship. Honorary authorship, where no such contribution was made, is not permitted.
The Serious Will to Agree
Section 74 of the Works Constitution Act sets out how the employer and the works council work together. They should meet at least once a month. On disputed questions they must negotiate “mit dem ernsten Willen zur Einigung,” with the serious will to reach agreement. Both sides must also make proposals for settling their differences.
Germany Talks
Before the federal election of 2017, the editors of Zeit Online created Deutschland spricht, Germany Talks. Participants answer political questions with yes or no. A program then pairs people who live close to each other and whose answers are as different as possible. The pairs meet in person to argue. On a Sunday in June 2017, 1,200 people met in pairs to argue. In September 2018 there were 8,000. The jury of the Grimme Online Award said the project fostered respect between political opponents and served democracy “im besten Sinne,” in the best sense.