Whistleblowing: Is it good for an organization?

Abstract

This article advocates that whistleblowing is good for an organization, with certain caveats. The definition and history of whistleblowers are discussed, and examples of how whistleblowers could have saved organizations money and their reputations are provided. Results of surveys and studies that show how whistleblowing is beneficial for organizations are provided and discussed. Finally, steps for organizations to encourage internal whistleblowing are described.

Whistleblowing Motivation and Gender: Vignette-Based Study in a Local Government

“…While many studies addressed the organizational context for such reporting, for example, hierarchy and power (Dasgupta & Kesharwani, 2010;Dworkin, 2007;Mesmer-Magnus & Viswesvaran, 2005;Pemberton et al, 2012;Rehg et al, 2008), organizational culture and policies (Berry, 2004;Cook, 2008;Eaton & Akers, 2007;Kaptein, 2011), available reporting mechanisms (Brennan & Kelly, 2007;Fapohunda, 2016;Kaplan et al, 2009), relatively little attention has been paid to individual motivations (exceptions are Brewer & Selden, 1998;Feldman & Lobel, 2010). Meanwhile, the motivational antecedents of whistleblowing behavior deserve closer attention because many definitions of whistleblowing refer exactly to individual inclinations of organizational insiders to expose information, negligence, and/or criticism publicly (Perry, 1998;Ray, 2006).…”

“…The overall organizational openness for whistleblowing is often cited for being a determinant as to whether or not a person takes an action. Many of these issues are structural and systemic, based in organizational culture and leadership, as well as in human resource policies (Berry, 2004;Cook, 2008;Eaton & Akers, 2007;Kaptein, 2011), the structure of which have notable impact in terms of either facilitating, mitigating, or even punishing the reporting of wrongdoing (Brennan & Kelly, 2007;Kaplan et al, 2009). Fear of retaliation and punishment, as well as risk versus rewards, is also a common focus in whistleblowing research (Domfeh & Bawole, 2011;Fatoki, 2013;Keil et al, 2010;Liyanarachchi & Adler, 2011;Miceli et al, 2012;Moloney et al, 2019;Rehg et al, 2008), and is commonly linked to the availability of both internal and external, as well as anonymous, reporting avenues (Feldman & Lobel, 2010;Kaplan et al, 2009;Miceli et al, 2012;Moloney et al, 2019).…”