The “No Snitch” Culture in American Business

Again last week I encountered a businessman who declined to reveal the identity of an unscrupulous company. He had recently engaged the company and found its practices unseemly and designed to deceive. He readily shared with me his time- and money-wasting experience, but when I asked the name of the firm, he said, “I’d rather not say.“

Why protect the identity of a bad actor? Even if the harmed is unsure whether it was intentional, why not honestly share the experience and divulge the name?

We’ve all read about the “no snitch” culture that’s so strong in some African American communities. It hinders the efforts of law enforcement personnel and protects perpetrators of crime. I really think it exists to some extent in American business.

Can someone help me understand?

The rule of law and the fair system of justice for all are absolutely essential to quality of life for citizens and efficient operation of our free-market system. Equally as important for our protection and quality of life is casual, everyday sharing of information and experience. Gossip and “the grapevine” play a real functional role in helping us all make informed choices and avoiding harm. When a person refuses to share the identity of a bad actor, he or she denies others the opportunity to avoid a similar fate.

Is it that misery really does love company, so the harmed don’t really want to help others avoid harm? Fear of reprisal?

I say we tell the world our experiences – the good, the bad and the ugly – and share identities. Why not expose the bad actors? Maybe our “no snitch” culture is why so many scammers seem to be in operation today?