The language of discomfort : A phenomenological research on Men, Empathy and Self-Esteem in German Workplaces.

Abstract: The main purpose of this research was to address the possible emotional consequences that working in German workplaces, using the local language, may have on non-native men’s self-esteem and to see if the difficulties they went through could have modified their perception of the power structures at the workplace. Using a feminist phenomenological approach, I interviewed four white cisgender men and focused on their feelings throughout the journey of working in a language that was not their native one, surrounded by German native speakers.The results showed how controversial might be for men to accept to feel empathy and that showing vulnerability at the workplace is still seen as very negative.Drawing from Berggren’s theory of “Sticky Masculinity”, I will analyse and explain the results, shedding a light on the participants’ behaviour. Finally, I will posit some “good practices” to avoid the stigmatization of vulnerability in organizational settings and to change the power structures at the workplace.