The whistleblower as the personification of a moral and managerial paradox

The motivations of external whistleblowers and their impact on the intention to blow the whistle again

“…Whistleblowing is specifically grounded in moral obligation and judgment, conscience or social justice, personal integrity, professional responsibility and ethics, and courage, thus occurring not in a routine and repetitive manner, but rather, in an exceptional manner (Alleyne, Hudaib, & Pike, ; Lindblom, ; O'Sullivan & Ngau, ; Shawver, Clements, & Sennetti, ; Vinten, ; Watts & Buckley, ). Numerous researchers (e.g., Cailleba & Petit, ; Maroun & Atkins, ; Maroun & Solomon, ; Nayır, Rehg, & Asa, ; O'Sullivan & Ngau, ; Shawver & Shawver, ; Watts & Buckley, ) assume, at least implicitly, that whistleblowing is mostly motivated by morality. Morality has been addressed in whistleblowing literature in various ways such as: moral dilemma (Lindblom, ); the dual process of moral intuition or deliberative reasoning in which whistleblowing takes place (Watts & Buckley, ); philosophical aspects of decision‐making (O'Sullivan & Ngau, ); the impact of moral intensity and judgments on whistleblowing intentions (Shawver et al, ); and an accountability perspective (Williams & Adams, ).…”

Organizational Culture and Ethical Decision-Making During Major Crises

“…Those who have the moral tenacity (and temerity) to stand up against the developing pseudo-virtuous consensus within the organizational culture often find themselves not only at odds with the group, but at war with themselves. Research conducted by Cailleba and Petit (2018) explores the moral ambiguity that often accompanies efforts to ethically navigate within prevailing cultural values and practices. The guilt associated with violating the abstract norms of ethical codes and best practices collide with feelings of shame accompanying the existential reality of "out-group" status attributed to anyone opposing the often-reasonable arguments of highly respected friends, colleagues and superiors.…”

Differing Perspectives on Paradox

“…Another paradox as identified in organizational and management theory is the moral and managerial paradox involved in whistleblowing. Whistleblowing is defined as “the disclosure by organization members (former or current) of illegal, immoral and illegitimate practices under the control of their employers to parties and organizations that may be able to effect action” (Cailleba & Petit, 2018, p. 675). Furthermore, Cailleba and Petit (2018), analyzing the French and international legislative framework on whistleblowers, identified whistleblowing as having both a moral paradox and a managerial paradox.…”

“…Whistleblowing is defined as “the disclosure by organization members (former or current) of illegal, immoral and illegitimate practices under the control of their employers to parties and organizations that may be able to effect action” (Cailleba & Petit, 2018, p. 675). Furthermore, Cailleba and Petit (2018), analyzing the French and international legislative framework on whistleblowers, identified whistleblowing as having both a moral paradox and a managerial paradox. Whistleblowers “are individuals whose loyalty and values push them to act not only in the interest of their company, but also in the interest of Society” (Cailleba & Petit, 2018, p. 679).…”

“…Furthermore, Cailleba and Petit (2018), analyzing the French and international legislative framework on whistleblowers, identified whistleblowing as having both a moral paradox and a managerial paradox. Whistleblowers “are individuals whose loyalty and values push them to act not only in the interest of their company, but also in the interest of Society” (Cailleba & Petit, 2018, p. 679). The Figure depicts the dilemma of an employee-whistleblower.…”