Whistle-blowing

Presented by ~ Lisa A. Wines

Definition of Whistle-Blowing

One who reveals wrong-doing within an organization to the public or to those in positions of authority.

One who discloses information about misconduct in their workplace that they feel violates the law or endangers the welfare of others.

One who speaks out, typically to expose corruption or dangers to the public or environment.

Types of Whistle-Blowing

Internal Whistle-Blowing

When an individual advocates beliefs or revelations within the organization.

External Whistle-Blowing

When and individual advocates beliefs or revelations outside the organization.

Characteristics of a Characteristics of a WhistleblowerWhistleblower

Altruistically MotivatedAltruistically Motivated UtilitarianUtilitarian Uninterested in Altering Uninterested in Altering

Their BehaviorTheir Behavior Allows Own Attitudes and Allows Own Attitudes and

Beliefs to Guide ThemBeliefs to Guide Them Often are Well Educated Often are Well Educated

and Holds Professional and Holds Professional PositionsPositions

Effects of Whistle-Blowing

• Forced to leave organization/demotion

• Credibility ruined• Family, health, and/or

life in jeopardy• Outrage and

divisiveness of people directly or indirectly involved

• Physical or psychological isolation

• Organization experiences loss of money, restitution, productivity, and positive reputations.

• Incarceration

Protection Laws

The Whistleblower Protection Law ~ 1989

The Whistleblower Act ~ 1994

Delineations of Ethical & Professional ResponsibilitiesACA TCA LPC SBEC

The association is to clarify the nature of ethical responsibility held by members.

The association is to clarify the nature of ethical responsibility held by members.

A licensee shall not make any false, misleading, deceptive, fraudulent, or exaggerated claims about licensee’s services and services of the mental health organization.

The Texas educator shall comply with standard practices and ethical conduct toward students, colleagues, school officials and parents.

The association is to establish principles that define ethical behaviors that all members should adhere to.

The association is to establish principles that define ethical behaviors that all members should adhere to.

A licensee shall discourage a client and others whom the license does not control from effectiveness of services, practice, qualifications, associations or products.

The Texas educator should respect and obey the law, demonstrate personal integrity, and exemplify honesty

The Code of Ethics will serve as the basis for processing ethical complaints initiated against members of the association.

The Texas educator should exemplify just and equitable treatment.

A Closer LookA Closer LookACA TCA SBEC

H.2 When a Counselor possesses doubt as to whether or not a Counselor is acting in an ethical manner take appropriate action.

D.1.C Counselors must alert their employers to conditions that may be potentially disruptive or damaging to the counselors professional responsibilities or that may limit their effectiveness.

b.1.A,B,F /b.2.B, D,F,GThe educator shall not knowingly engage in deceptive practices, misappropriate, divert, use monies for personal gain, or falsify records or coerce others to do so.The educator shall not harm others by making false statements, interfere w/ political or professional responsibilities, use coercive means of special treatment, or retaliate against any individual who has filed a complaint.

Case Study of JeanieCase Study of Jeanie

Erin Brockovich

Editorial Cartoon

Resources

Ahern, K. & McDonald, S.(2000). The professional consequences of whistle-blowing by nurses. Journal of Professional Nursing, 16 (6), 313-321.

Berenbeim, R. (2002). Improper corporate behavior. Vital Speeches of the Day. 68 (10), 305.

Green, A. D., & Latting, J. K. (2004). Whistle-Blowing as a form of advocacy: Guidelines for the practitioner and organization. National Association of Social Work, 49 (2), 219-230.

Martin, B. (1999). Whistleblowing and nonviolence. Peace & Change, 24 (1), 15-28.

Radack, J. (2003). The government attorney whistleblower and the rule of confidentiality: Compatible at last. Georgetown Journal of Legal Ethics, 17 (1), 125-43.