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- External Whistle-
Blowing Blowing

 When an individual  When and individual

advocates beliefs or advocates beliefs or
revelations within revelations outside
the organization. the organization.
Characteristics of a
Whistleblower
 Altruistically Motivated
 Utilitarian
 Uninterested in Altering
Their Behavior
 Allows Own Attitudes
and Beliefs to Guide
Them
 Often are Well Educated
and Holds Professional
Positions
 Effects of Whistle-Blowing
• Forced to leave • Physical or
organization/demotion psychological
• Credibility ruined isolation
• Family, health, and/or • Organization
life in jeopardy experiences loss of
• Outrage and money, restitution,
divisiveness of people productivity, and
directly or indirectly positive reputations.
involved • Incarceration
 Protection Laws
 The Whistleblower
Protection Law ~
1989

 The Whistleblower
Act ~ 1994
 Delineations of Ethical &
Professional Responsibilities
ACA
The association is to clarify
the nature of ethical
responsibility held by
members.
The association is to
establish principles that
define ethical behaviors that
all members should adhere
to.
The Code of Ethics will
serve as the basis for
processing ethical
complaints initiated against
members of the association.
TCA
The association is to clarify
the nature of ethical
responsibility held by
members.
The association is to
establish principles that
define ethical behaviors that
all members should adhere
to.
LPC
A licensee shall not make
any false, misleading,
deceptive, fraudulent, or
exaggerated claims about
licensee’s services and
services of the mental health
organization.
A licensee shall discourage a
client and others whom the
license does not control from
effectiveness of services,
practice, qualifications,
associations or products.
SBEC
The Texas educator shall
comply with standard
practices and ethical conduct
toward students, colleagues,
school officials and parents.
The Texas educator should
respect and obey the law,
demonstrate personal
integrity, and exemplify
honesty
The Texas educator should
exemplify just and equitable
treatment.

ACA
H.2 When a Counselor
possesses doubt as to whether
or not a Counselor is acting in
an ethical manner take
appropriate action.
A Closer Look
TCA
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.
SBEC
b.1.A,B,F /b.2.B, D,F,G
The 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 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.