Ethical tension points in whistleblowing

Journal of Business Ethics 6 (4):321 - 328 (1987)
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Abstract

This paper analyzes the number of procedural and substantive tension points with which a conscientious whistleblower struggles. Included in the former are such questions as: (1) Am I properly depicting the seriousness of the problem? (2) Have I secured the information properly, analyzed it appropriately, and presented it fairly? (3) Are my motives appropriate? (4) Have I tried fully enough to have the problem corrected within the organization? (5) Should I blow the whistle while still a member of the organization or after having left it? (6) Should I keep anonymity? (7) How ethical is it to assume the role of a judge? (8) How ethical is it to set in motion an act which will likely be very costly to many people? Substantive tension points include such questions as: (1) How fully am I living up to my moral obligations to my organization and my colleagues? (2) Am I appropriately upholding the ethical standards of my profession? (3) How adversely will my action affect my family and other primary groups? (4) Am I being true to myself? (5) How will my action affect the health of such basic values as freedom of expression, independent judgment, courage, fairness, cooperativeness, and loyalty?

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References found in this work

Secrets: on the ethics of concealment and revelation.Sissela Bok - 1982 - New York: Oxford University Press.
Anonymity and whistleblowing.Frederick A. Elliston - 1982 - Journal of Business Ethics 1 (3):167 - 177.
Ethical Responsibilities of Engineers in Large Organizations.Richard T. De George - 1981 - Business and Professional Ethics Journal 1 (1):1-14.
Ten Whistleblowers and How They Fared.Myron Glazer - 1983 - Hastings Center Report 13 (6):33-41.

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