Information

Information as Power

Germans believe that the mere possession of information can provide almost the same value as the conversion of that information into action. In Germany knowing can be just as advantageous as doing. The German term is Herrschaftswissen. Examples

Get vs. Give

Holschuld: Hol from holen, to get + Schuld meaning debt. Holschuld means get-debt or get-obligation. In Germany if a colleague has information important to your work, you are obligated to request that information. Examples

Inside Outside

When it comes to sharing information Germans work from their core team outwards. With each outer organisational concentric circle they become more careful, at times even wary, of sharing valuable internal information. Examples

Role in Teamwork

Germans see knowledge as the team’s primary capital. They are keen to protect and expand their knowledge base. As individual colleagues. As individual teams. Germans are particularly sensitive to how and with whom that capital is shared. Examples