Take a stand, act with integrity

Ms Neidlein, why is integrity a top priority for Audi?

Elke Neidlein: Scientific studies have for years proven that companies that are managed with a high degree of integrity are more successful in the long term and less susceptible to risks. Conversely, acting without integrity can have far-reaching consequences – from both a personal and business perspective. This is something we experienced in a very concrete way at Audi over the past decade and have learned a lot from it. Given the significant changes in our industry at present, we now have to collectively ensure that we take greater responsibility for ourselves, our company and our environment. It is therefore with good reason we say: “Take a stand, act with integrity!”

How does integrity shape collaboration at Audi?

Elke Neidlein: Integrity is a cornerstone of our actions and therefore crucial for making professional and value-based decisions. Integrity ensures that ethical principles and values guide us in our everyday collaboration and feed into the decisions we make. Remaining true to these convictions, even in difficult times, is a true sign of people who act with high integrity. This requires courage, effort and practice – on an ongoing basis.

Is integrity something that can be trained?

Elke Neidlein: Yes, it’s possible – with a supportive working environment and time. It’s important that managers are actively involved, pass on their understanding of integrity to employees and credibly act as role models. In this way, we specifically increase awareness among managers of how to deal with feedback from their teams. This is part of our feedback and speak-up culture. Addressing problems openly helps to identify mistakes early on, resolve them and jointly learn from the experience. It also helps in this respect to deal constructively with different opinions and to find the best solution in each case. We strengthen awareness and competence for integrity throughout the company with training and workshops for teams and dialogue events as well as consultations. In addition, we have been establishing a network of integrity ambassadors since 2019, who in addition to their professional duties are trusted contacts for integrity issues that arise in their working environment. The network is an important voice in our integrity culture. 

What aspect do you focus on especially?

Elke Neidlein: Psychological safety is the basis for a good speak-up and feedback culture, allowing the full potential of teamwork to be leveraged. Teams in which everyone feels able to openly address opinions, problems and mistakes have precisely what is needed for a successful transformation: They are stable and resilient and are more committed, more innovative and more productive. We have been supporting teams throughout the company since 2023 in jointly developing this psychological safety. The positive feedback we have received inspires confidence that we are on the right path. Psychological safety is therefore also part of the company-wide “Leadership Next” initiative.