Ethical Whistleblowing
What is whistleblowing?
Whistleblowing is a special form of in which a member or former member of an organization goes outside the organization or outside normal organizational channels to reveal organizational wrongdoing, illegality, or actions that threaten the public. This term is reversed for revelations of significant misbehavior with consequences for a number of people.
On the positive side, whistleblowers can help organizations correct unsafe products or working conditions and curb fraudulent or wasteful practices. Conversely, whistleblowers may threaten an organization’s authority structure, cohesiveness, and public image.
Whistleblowing can take place either within an organization, or publicly.
Organisational whistleblowing: is a preventive tool for organizations to reduce the risks of malpractice and irregularities. Empowering employees and other relevant stakeholders to blow the whistle increases the chances of managers obtaining information on irregularities that should be acted upon at an early stage.
Public whistleblowing: In organizations where trust is low, the above mechanisms are not in place, or there is no possibility to be an anonymous whistleblower, the person may be more inclined to blow the whistle publicly. This may include reporting to the police, media or through online social channels, which of course brings a greater risk of reputational damage for organizations.
Elements of ethical whistleblowing
Whistleblowing consists of at least four elements:
1. The whistleblower: Whistleblowers are the current or former members of the organization and they have no power to change the misconducts. They might choose the anonymous way to blow the whistle and they might play a role in the activities of wrongdoings.
2. The whistleblowing act: whistleblowing act is an act of dissidence within the team of the organization. Whistleblowing is usually applied when the organizational activities “harm the third party” or “jeopardize the public interest”. These activities themselves often involve “misconduct, neglect or irresponsibility”, “corruption, socially harmful or illegal activity” or “wasteful activities”.
3. The complaint receiver: The complaint receiver is the agency or person that receives the complaint.
4. The organization which the complaint is addressed: Any organization might become the target of the whistleblowing: large or small, private or public. Those organizations where valid whistleblowing is encouraged will gain additional information that might be useful in improving the existing management structure.
Steps for a whistleblowing
FIRST STEP: The company code of conduct is key
The company code of conduct must be easy to embrace and take pride in. Management involvement, anchoring of the code and follow-up on deviations are important for making it trustworthy.
SECOND STEP: Safety for the whistleblower and for the accused
Ensure your whistleblowing policy is prepared for correct processing of whistleblowing cases.
THIRD STEP: A secure solution is vital
A secure whistleblowing service increases the chance of obtaining business-critical tip-offs. An independent third-party solution is a safe option for both the company and the whistleblower.
FOURTH STEP: Convenience for both whistleblowers and the company
A user-friendly reporting channel, which allows follow-up questions to be posted also to anonymous whistleblowers, may be vital for the investigation process.
FIFTH STEP: Communicate the objective of the service
A well-supported whistleblowing service safeguards high standards of business ethics and a transparent business environment. Positive roll-out of the service and recurring information on its objectives are the key to success.
