Whistle-blowing
Whistle blowing means calling attention to wrongdoing that is occurring within an organization. One who discloses information about misconduct in their workplace that they feel violates the law or endangers the welfare of others. Whistle blowing is of two types: Internal Whistle-Blowing: When an individual report misconduct to another
employee or a superior within their organization. External Whistle-Blowing: When an individual report misconduct to outside persons or entities. For ex: regulators, law enforcement agencies, and media. Characteristics of a Whistle-Blower: Altruistically Motivated: Utilitarian: Uninterested in altering their behavior Allows own attitudes and beliefs to guide them Often are well educated and holds professional positions
Reasons behind Whistle-Blowing
If there is a violation of a law, rule or regulation, ant person who finds it wrong can blow the whistle. In case there is any kind of mismanagement in the profits of the organization.
A gross waste of funds
If any person finds someone violating the authority given to him that person can be punished. If there is any substantial and specific danger to public health or safety
Duty to Blow the Whistle
Whistle-blowing should not be considered the first avenue, but the last, after all else has failed. When to blow: Serious and considerable harm to the public is involved Have reported to immediate supervisor already Have exhausted all channels available for correcting the issue within the organization There is documented evidence with the ability to convince an impartial party There is good reason to think going public will result in changes
Considerations for Whistle-Blowing
One should grave injustice or wrongdoing that has not been resolved despite using appropriate channels One should morally justifies course of action by appeals to ethical theories, principles, or other components of ethics as well as relevant facts of the incident Should have thoroughly investigated the incident and is confident the facts are well understood Should ascertain that doing this will cause more good than harm to clients, and clients will not be retaliated against
Should understand the seriousness of actions and assume responsibility for them
Effects of Whistle-Blowing
Negative effect The person who is found to be guilty is forced to leave organization. The credibility is ruined The Family, health, and/or life of the culprit becomes very hard and he has to face number of difficulties. Outrage and divisiveness of people directly or indirectly involved Psychological isolation Organization experiences loss of money, restitution, productivity, and positive reputations.
Positive effect It leads to an end of unethical business practices which were occurring in the business. Lives of individuals and communities have been saved Prevention of environment from severe damage
Methods of blowing the whistle:
Do it anonymously: Let the evidence speak for itself and protect yourself if possible. Do it in a group: Charges have more weight Present just the evidence: leave interpretation of facts to others. Work through internal channels: start with your immediate supervisor or follow the standard reporting procedure Work through external channels: go public (biggest risk)
Whistle-Blower act in India
The Whistleblowers Protection bill has been passed by the Union Cabinet on August 9, 2010. The bill is officially known as the Public Interest Disclosure and Protection to Persons Making the Disclosure Bill, 2010. The proposed Indian law intends to protect the whistleblowers, facilitate the disclosure of information and uncover corruption and deceptive practices that exist in government organizations.
Year of the Whistleblower: Year 2002 was considered as the year of whistleblowers.
Following are the ladies who blowed the whistle:
Sherron Watkins:
She was the Former Vice President of Enron Corporation. Lived in Texas Alerted then-CEO Ken Lay in August 2001 to accounting irregularities within the company Warned that Enron 'might implode in a wave of accounting scandals.' Testified before Congressional Committees from the House and Senate investigating Enron's demise. Lauded in the press for her courageous actions, but left her job at Enron after a few months when she wasn't given much to do
Coleen Rowley:
FBI staff attorney Wrote 13-page memo to FBI Director about pre-9/11 intelligence in May 2002 Testified for the Senate Judiciary Committee Concerned the FBI was becoming more bureaucratic and micromanaged Helped government focus on better intelligence management Victim of back lashed from peers and associates
Cynthia Cooper
WorldComs Director of Internal Audit Her team discovered $3 billion in questionable expenses Met with 4 executives to track down and explain the undocumented expenses Disclosed findings, WorldCom stock frozen, corporate credit rating went from B+ to CCC Remained as VP of Internal Audit, not promoted, no gratitude, resented by employees
Whistleblower- The Movie
It was a movie inspired by the true story of Kathryn Bolkovac. Title of the movie was: Whistleblower Directed by: Larysa Kondracki Written by: Eilis Kirwan and Larysa Kondracki Starring: Rachel Weisz, Vanessa Redgrave, Monica Bellucci, David Strathairn
Crux of the movie: This is a movie which is explaining the concept of Whistle-Blowing. It depicts
how a female cop of Bosnia raised her voice against the unethical practices being carried on by her private corporate army network who were engaged in the unethical practices of women exploitation. This unethical practice led to a formation of a big illegal racket which tends to overtook the whole industry dealing in the same activities.
