WILLEMSTAD – Employees at the Ministry of Social Development, Labor and Welfare (SOAW) report limited freedom to openly express criticism, according to the government's latest integrity assessment.
The Integrity Baseline Scan found that only 37 percent of respondents feel free to voice criticism within the ministry. Meanwhile, 52 percent indicated that employees are held accountable for their behavior, suggesting that enforcement mechanisms are more visible than opportunities for open dialogue.
Researchers also found that 43 percent of respondents believe reports are rarely followed by feedback, a finding that mirrors concerns raised in other ministries.
The report identifies workplace openness as one of the most important factors influencing integrity culture. Employees who feel comfortable discussing concerns are generally more likely to report problems before they escalate.
The findings suggest that while SOAW has visible administrative controls, further work may be needed to strengthen communication and trust between employees and management.