Unit 4- WhistleBlowing

Question 1

What is Whistle Blowing?

Answer 1

The release of information by a member/ former member of an organization on illegal/immoral conduct of business or conduct that us not in the public’s interest.

Question 2

What constitutes whistle-blowing?

Answer 2

The individual must be inside an organization and volunteers to expose wrongdoing to the outside world, with the goal of bringing about change

Question 3

What are the 6 Justifications for Whistleblowing?

Answer 3

1. Is the situation of sufficient moral importance
2. Do you have all the facts and have you properly understood their significance?
3. Have all internal channels of whistleblowing been exhausted?
4. What is the best way to blow the whistle?
5. What is my responsibility in view of my role in the organization.
6. What are the chances for success?

Question 4

Existing Protection for Whistleblowers

Answer 4

1. Occupational Health and Safety acts
2. Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) Act
3. Whistle-blower Act of Jamaica 2012
4. 2010 Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.

Question 5

Why should whistleblowing be allowed?

Answer 5

1. Contribution to society: If Whistle-Blower come forward dangers to the public will be brought to the light
2. Freedom of Speech- we have moral right to freedom of speech and it should be protected.

Question 6

What are two possible drawbacks of Whistleblowing?

Answer 6

1. Whistle-blowing might be used by employees to:​
   Protest company decisions or to get back at their employers​,
   Cover up their own incompetence or inadequate performance​
2. Legislation protecting whistle-blowers would encroach on the right of employers to conduct their business as they see fit- adds layer of legal restraints to already existing ones, makes it harder for managers to run a company.

Question 7

Benefits of Developing a Policy

Answer 7

Company can learn about problems early, before issue becomes public.

Affirms company’s good ethics and creates an ethical corporate climate

Question 8

Dangers of Making a Whistle-blowing Policy

Answer 8

1. Encourages employees to report on each other
2. Can create an environment of mistrust
3. Involves danger by encouraging false accusations

Question 9

Components of a Policy

Answer 9

1. An effectively Communicated statement of responsibility
2. A clearly defined procedure for reporting
3. Well-trained personnel to receive and investigating reports.
4. A commitment to take appropriate action
5. A guarantee against retaliation (E.g. occupational detriment)