Comparison of whistleblowing systems: Use Case Volkswagen

Many established companies have implemented whistleblowing systems. Depending on the size of the company, this is not only a legal obligation, but also simply part of good manners. In 2021, transparency, inclusivity and a resolute approach to corporate malpractice should be a matter of course.

The legislator also sees it that way and has therefore introduced the so-called EU Whistleblower Directive. As of 17 December 2021, companies with 250 or more employees must introduce whistleblower systems that enable employees, customers and business partners to report grievances anonymously. Whistleblowing is defined as illegal or unethical behaviour, such as corruption, money laundering, bullying or harassment in the workplace.

Use Case Volkswagen

Volkswagen describes the motivation behind their whistleblowing system on the company website as follows:

"Correct and compliant behaviour is a top priority for the Volkswagen Group. Our corporate success is based on integrity and compliance. For us to live up to this claim, it is important to learn of potential misconduct and to put a stop to it. The Volkswagen Group's whistleblower system offers the opportunity to report potential breaches of rules by employees."

That's what it's all about: Integrity and compliance. Volkswagen has understood that these are not just buzzwords but must be put into practice. The company has learned lessons from the scandal involving falsified emissions data: The damage to its reputation was enormous, among customers and investors, but also among its own employees.

At Volkswagen, whistleblowers have various options for anonymously reporting a grievance: Email, telephone hotline, post and in person or via the Group's digital whistleblowing system. These different ways have advantages and disadvantages.

Comparison of whistleblowing systems

Telephone hotlines have the advantage that you can speak directly to someone. External call centre service providers are used for this purpose. It is therefore not enough to simply have an internal telephone number available, as this would not guarantee anonymity. But even with call centres, there is still the problem that anonymity is not completely guaranteed, for example through voice recognition.

The same problem applies to e-mail and post. With e-mail, the IP address would have to be disguised. This requires technical know-how on the part of the whistleblower. With post, the sender would have to be falsified or the company would have to provide a letterbox. But here, too, there is the danger that the whistleblower will be seen posting the message. In addition, there is the problem of not being able to communicate with the whistleblower, for example to clarify queries or to inform him or her about the current status of the investigation.

All-rounder digital whistleblower system

Therefore most companies opt for a digital whistleblowing system - including Volkswagen. Comparing the different whistleblowing systems, the digital system offers many advantages:

For one thing, anonymity is completely guaranteed. In addition, compliance staff can easily get in touch with the whistleblowers. It is also very easy to use, even without digital know-how. Finally, digital whistleblower systems also contain a separate case processing area that facilitates the work of the compliance department. For example, deadlines can be set.

No matter whether large corporations like Volkswagen or small and medium-sized enterprises: Whistleblowing systems belong in every company. Digital whistleblower systems are the all-rounder and they are available already at a low price. Don’t save in the wrong place.