The Effects of Whistlebolowing

The Effects of Whistleblowing

Mitch J. Pearson

Park University

MG 260 Business Law 1

Professor Brent Gilje

July 13, 2011

Table of Contents

Introduction………………………………………………………………………………………3

Definition of Whistleblowing……………………………………………………………………3

Origin/History…………………………………………………………………………………....4

Effects on Organization………………………………………………………………………….5

Effects on Individual…………………………………………………………………………….7

Laws protecting Whestleblowers………………………………………………………………..8

Refrences………………………………………………………………………………………..11

Introduction

Whistleblowing is a term which has gained significant popularity over the last 50 years. Today the ability to whistleblow has become largely acceptable and in some cases rewarded. Technology has given us many tools which serve as outlets to whistleblow. Advances such as television (media), phones, cellular phones, internet, email and social media all have served as outlets for individuals to communicate wrong doing. Individuals who choose to report wrong doing in their place of employment often become seen in a negative light. This report will examine the effects on those individuals who choose to whistleblow. In order to do this, it is important to understand what whistleblowing is.

Definition of Whistleblowing

Wikipedia defines a whistleblower as a person who tells the public or someone in authority about alleged dishonest or illegal activities (misconduct) occurring in a government department, a public or private organization, or a company. There are two types of whistleblowers, internal and external. Internal whistleblowers are those individuals who advocate beliefs or revelations within the organization. External whistleblowers are individuals who advocate beliefs or revelations outside the organization. It is important to understand the significant difference between the two. Internal whistleblowers have identified an