Definition

Eigenverantwortung

German/Swiss concept meaning self-responsibility: the cultural default that individuals are accountable for doing the right thing without needing explicit rules, enforcement, or social pressure to prompt them. Kevin attributes Swiss civic quality — public cleanliness, COVID policy compliance without mandates, a market that sustains premium-quality products — to this cultural norm. Contrasted with rule-based compliance cultures that respond to violations rather than cultivating internal accountability. Practically, Eigenverantwortung produces high-trust societies where quality compounds over time because the market rewards it rather than defaulting to the cheapest acceptable option.

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