Publisher's Synopsis
Whistleblowers have always existed. We can all remember the Hans Christian Andersen story of The Emperor's New Clothes when the child cries out: 'But he isn't wearing anything at all!' In general, we are all reluctant to disclose bad news. And bad news has long been associated with shooting the messenger. But today, whistleblowing is still associated with the risk of retribution for the whistleblower, but the messages are now usually directed at the institutions of society. Governance of Whistleblowing: Just Do It examines the value of whistleblowing and its impact on corruption. It looks at the business ethics, business cultures and transparency associated with whistleblowing, and asks: 'What is the price of whistleblowing?' It then looks at the skills and training required to deal with whistleblowing and with whistleblowers, and examines the process by which whistleblowing is 'managed'. Finally, the limitations of existing legislation are explored, and some of the yet-to-be resolved issues of whistleblowing are explored. In short, corruption can flourish in an environment of secrecy, and whistleblowing is one of the best inhibitors of fraudulent conduct. Whistleblowing is now being referred to as 'public interest disclosure', and can be defined as a disclosure of illegal conduct or other wrongdoing or a disclosure that there is a substantial and imminent danger to health and safety. Under the right governance, whistleblowers should feel safe enough to 'just do it' and to act in the public interest.
