pros

Pros and Cons of Whistle Blowing:

Whistle-blowing is the act of informing higher authorities about unethical practices or illegal observed. In huge corporations, employees may report illegal practices to protect both the company and themselves. Deciding to report corporate officers or fellow workers is never an easy decision, while whistle blowing brings both benefits and drawbacks.

The Pros of Whistle blowing:

While whistle blowing pulls into a lot of hot water, it is very dangerous to do. When we see wrongs, it bothers us a lot, and after that we think whistle blowing is the best option to stop the wrongs. It's a matter of integrity in a world where so many are cutting corners and doing whatever it takes to up the bottom line.

Having a clear conscience motivates many to step up when they see something wrong going on. Whistle blowing marks you as a person of integrity who has the backbone to do what's right no matter what. It lets others know they can trust to deal honestly with them. It lets others know won't allow intimidation tactics to appropriate action when necessary.

Advantages of Whistle blowing:

 Whistle blowing often ends long standing wrongdoing that would have otherwise continued. In the Enron case of October 2001, the chief executives were shown to have systematically deceived all company stakeholders with the help of accounting firm Arthur Andersen, which did not provide legitimate financial reporting. One of the Enron accountants confronted the CEO in a memo about what he had discovered and the rest became history. Employees and shareholders lost billions when Enron folded, yet the whistle-blowing prevented even further harm. Many Enron executives went to prison, and have been held personally accountable, making restitution for monies stolen.

In the case of medical malpractice suits, the whistle-blower is upholding the patient's best interests, not doctors or the hospital's. In the case of clear workplace violations of health and safety regulations, or breach of employment laws, workers are protected and their rights upheld. With regard to research or technical issues, whistle blowers may cite internal memos and other documentation to prove doubts existed about a product or that false research results were knowingly published. Whistle blowers often highlight safety concerns regarding cars or other products, thus protecting an unsuspecting public. Whistle blowing upholds the law, protects many from the impact of wrongdoing, reveals the truth and prevents further wrongdoing.

The Cons of Whistle blowing:

At the very least whistle-blowing can lead to a lot of hassle. Some people just don't like it when someone brings their evil deeds to light and they might just try to do something about it. Everyone who watches television has seen some writer's idea of what can happen to whistle-blowers. Many real life stories abound as well.

People have lost their life, been intimidated, had their family or property threatened, lost a job and much more. Whistle blowing is not something to take lightly as the consequences can make this option even dangerous and unattractive.

A wise whistle blower will document and research which authorities to approach with the information. A wise whistle blower will watch his back and seek support from others. A wise whistle blower will make sure she is correct in her accusations and seek to make changes in a way that allows the rule breaker a chance to make things right if possible.

The repercussions of whistle blowing will probably not be life threatening, but the repercussions of not whistle blowing when it's called for can destroy your peace of mind. Money and jobs are important, but peace of mind is even more important. So, blow that whistle, baby, and let the chips fall where they may. You will be the better person for it.

Disadvantages of Whistle blowing:

Whistle blowing can bring many negative repercussions. First, it can bring termination. It is difficult to remain, no matter how justifiable the decision to reveal illegalities and no matter how much the revelations actually benefit others. Second, big time revelations could bring down the company a la Enron, causing everyone to lose their jobs. Third, the whistle blower can get stigmatized as "disloyal" and be discredited in some way. Fourth, sometimes colleagues may exact some form of revenge or somehow "scapegoat" the person. Thus, the whistle blower is somehow blamed for the wrongdoing and fired without an opportunity for vindication. In small communities, the whistle-blower and family may be subject to hostile treatment, viewed as acting out of self-interest, perhaps to gain advancement at others' expense.

Deciding Correctly:

Whether to blow the whistle on colleagues or senior management is a highly personal decision. However, when the whistle blower is certain of illegal activity or that real harm exists to the public or to fellow workers that should tip the scales in favor of whistle blowing, regardless of the personal cost.