Speaking out is not easy
People who perceive there is something wrong going on may not be certain whether anything actually unlawful has occurred. Even people who do know the law and also have proof will often have to wait a while before their suspicions are confirmed. Unfortunately for whistleblowers, this means they may well spend some time without a job.
According to the website of the University of Pennsylvania, we expect everyone to behave ethically. Thus we should create an environment where people can feel comfortable and safe if they report inappropriate behaviour. In reality, however, we always suspect that for doing the right thing we will be punished.
The price for whistleblowing can be high
Whistleblowing remains a complex issue.
- An employee usually has many relationships with other people at the company and blowing the whistle might jeopardise these.
- There is also the risk the whistleblower will be portrayed as disloyal. On the other hand, if they do nothing, this might be seen as tacitly approving of illegal or unethical activities of others.
- In many companies, whistleblowers risk being socially ostracised or even fired as a counter move.
However, when it comes to trust, according to a report, accusations harm trust in the accused and boost trust in the accuser. People who make accusations are perceived to be more trustworthy and having greater integrity. This applies to those whose accusations are genuine, when the motivation appears to be a desire to defend moral norms.
If this is the case, accusers come to no harm; on the contrary, they are perceived as people with high ethical standards.
-jk-