Reporting Misdeeds: An Evaluation on Intention to Blowing the Whistle

Abstract

The aims of this study are two folds, to identify whether intention to whistle blow exists; and to ascertain the relationship between perceived organizational support, channel of communication, attitude and intention to blow the whistle. The study was conducted in seven public offices in West Malaysia, involving 511 employees. The findings indicate that all the predicted elements are moderately associated with the act of whistle blowing. On the other hand, channel of communication is proven to be the most dominant variable where the existence of facilities to complaint is seen as the driver for employees to move forward and tell the truth. Moreover internal programs held by the organizations also supported the findings, as a powerful tool to create awareness of the importance to blow the whistle within the organization setting; while fair and just treatments by the organization have generated trust and confidence amongst the employees where they feel empowered and belongingness. Whistle blowing is also perceived as a new commitment by the respondents as reflecting their loyalties to the organization.