How to be a whistleblower - the right way
People who consider going public with serious allegations of organisational wrongdoing or malpractice should be aware of the potentially serious consequences of their actions. Normally, having identified an area of major concern to the organisation or community, the troubled employee should bring the matter to the attention of a higher level executive within the organisation. Only when the organisation fails or refuses to investigate the complaint should the employee feel compelled to go public with the allegations - and thereby become a whistleblower…
1. Know what whistleblowing entails.
Whistleblowers are watchdogs in organisations who bark loudly and publicly if they perceive that a company policy, practice, or product is unethical, dangerous, immoral, or illegal. Normally, and wisely, they will only alert the media or regulatory body if they believe the organisation has refused to take their complaint or concern seriously. Heroes to some, troublemakers to others, whistle-blowers should exercise this right with caution, because the consequences of their actions can have very serious implications for the organisation and for themselves.
2. Be aware of the hazards of whistleblowing.
If whistleblowing can save lives or taxpayers' dollars, or protect the environment, then a whistleblower can become an organisational or community hero. There is also great satisfaction in knowing that one has served an important role as a responsible and concerned watchdog. There is a downside, however. By going public and making allegations of organisational wrongdoing, a whistleblower can suffer considerable professional and personal pain. For example:
- Whistleblowing can be an extremely stressful exercise.
- Those colleagues who may have encouraged you, indeed voiced their undying support of your actions, often back down when your claims are made public.
- Others in the workplace may resent your actions and despise you - whether you are right or wrong with your accusations.
- You may ruin your chances of promotion within the organisation. Indeed, you may be dismissed, only able to gain reinstatement after a costly and stressful legal process.
- Even if you are not fired, then ostracism within the organisation may be so great that you have no option other than to resign anyway.
- You may be branded a troublemaker within your industry or profession, a label which may hinder your future prospects for promotion or employment.
Clearly, whistleblowing is a course of action not to be taken lightly.
3. Get your facts straight.
If you are making formal accusations internally or in public, it is imperative that you have solid evidence of wrongdoing or malpractice. Keep accurate records and obtain relevant documentary proof to verify your claims before approaching a superior or the media with your claim. Be warned, however, that some of your genuine concern could be faulty or misconceived because you may never have all the relevant facts in your possession.
4. Try using appropriate internal channels first:
It is inadvisable to blow the whistle on your organisation without having first exhausted all available avenues within your organisation for rectifying the concern. Follow established complaint or grievance procedures where they exist. Be persistent in voicing your concern to supervisors and executives. Consider blowing the whistle in public only when the organisation refuses to listen.
5. Or use appropriate external channels.
Consider using other safe channels if you do not have the confidence to raise your concerns internally. Some organisations actually nominate well respected, impartial individuals or agencies outside the normal chain of command to address such matters. Explore these alternative avenues before exposing your organisation publicly through the media.
6. Seek the support of others.
Whistleblowing can be a lonely job. If you have a strong case, try to get other highly principled and troubled colleagues to join you. In this way, your case will be strengthened and much of the inevitable stress can be shared. It also helps to determine if any legislation, regulations, and court decisions support your stance.
7. Be aware: you may be protected, but only if you do it correctly.
Legislation is increasingly being introduced to protect the authentic whistleblower. No matter how principled or confident you are, it is important to check current state and federal leglislation, together with recent court decisions, before committing yourself to exposing your organisation's wrongdoing in the public arena. Normally, a whistleblower will have the court's protection if:
- the motive is not personal vengeance
- all internal avenues of complaint have been explored fully
- the whistleblower did not harm the organisation in a reckless manner.
