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 WhistleBlowing
External WhistleBlowing
 When an individual
advocates beliefs or
revelations within
the organization.
 When and individual
advocates beliefs or
revelations outside
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
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 Responsibilities
ACA
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 Look
ACA
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,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.