What is a Whistleblower?
A whistleblower is an individual who exposes illegal, unethical, or fraudulent activity within an organization. They often do so at great personal risk, as they may face retaliation or even legal consequences for speaking out.
Qualities of a Whistleblower
Whistleblowers are typically individuals who possess a strong sense of ethics and integrity. They are willing to speak out against wrongdoing, even if it means risking their own reputation or job security.
Examples of Whistleblowers
One well-known example of a whistleblower is Edward Snowden, who exposed the US government’s mass surveillance programs. Another famous whistleblower is Chelsea Manning, who leaked classified documents to WikiLeaks.
Case Studies
In 2001, Sherron Watkins, a former executive at Enron, blew the whistle on the company’s accounting fraud, ultimately leading to its collapse. In 2014, Dr. Robert Bullard, a professor at Clark Atlanta University, exposed a lead contamination crisis in Flint, Michigan.
Statistics on Whistleblowing
According to a survey conducted by the Ethics & Compliance Initiative, 41% of employees who reported misconduct experienced retaliation. However, whistleblowers who report fraud to the Securities and Exchange Commission can receive monetary rewards.
