Empirical evidence of lack of significant support for whistleblowing

Abstract

Whistleblowing involves employees reporting upon wrongdoing occurring in their organisation. Traditional views of whistleblowing (a disloyal act) are evolving towards a more modern view (sympathetic). This study evaluates attitudes towards whistleblowing in Ireland. Corporate employees reviewed business scenarios, evaluated whether they were prepared to become whistleblowers or not and gave their reasons. They also evaluated their organisation's attitude towards whistleblowing. The findings suggest many employees (particularly males) are still reluctant to report wrongdoings in their workplace and would rather report internally than externally. Also, employees who do whistle-blow are motivated more by feelings of loyalty than self-interest. Finally employees do not consider their organization particularly supportive of whistleblowing. Results suggest organisations must do more to promote whistleblowing if employees are to be encouraged to do so appropriately.