Features of a whistleblower:
(1) Someone with inside information.
(2) The person draws attention to a problem.
(3) The person may or may not have tried to change the system before whistleblowing.
Problems that may be reported include:
(1) fraud
(2) other criminal activity
(3) covering up
(4) falsifying data
(5) unethical behavior
Motivation:
(1) frustration with lack of change (no other way)
(2) morality
(3) greed (if reward given)
(4) revenge
Reports may be made:
(1) anonymously
(2) to an inspector general
(3) to a news organization
(4) to a public official
One barrier to whistleblowing is retribution by people within the organization. In some situations this retaliation can be against the law.
Claims of an issue need to be investigated. A disgruntled worker who has been fired may make an anonymous report with little fear of retribution.
