NSA’s Edward Snowden, FBI’s Mark Felt, White House Staffer Linda Tripp, Kerr-McGee’s Karen Silkwood and Sherron Watkins of Enron are all on the same list of famous whistleblowers. All of these people have become famous because they provided information with the sole purpose of revealing wrongdoings by someone or a company. Some believe whistleblowers are traitors and should be punished: while others believe they are heroes and should be honored. Whistleblowers are being acknowledged as a great threat to companies and managers are realizing that they need to know who they are and what they will do if their company is faced with this situation.
Summary
Tim Barnett, Assistant Professor of Management at Louisiana Tech University, wrote an article expressing why he thinks companies should adopt a whistleblowing policy. Whistleblowers are individuals that call attention to possible wrongdoing and are exposed to a great deal of controversy. Some believe whistleblowers sacrifice themselves, professionally and personally to reveal practices that are fraudulent or harmful to the public. Others believe they are just disgruntled employees who are accusing people that have mistreated them. The truth probably lies somewhere between the two opinions. In some ways it is beneficial to have whistleblowers out there because they…
They need to have a plan for if whistleblowing actually occurs. Managers must have a plan to minimize the possible damage to the company. Managers must listen to the complaints with respect. This is a time to gather information and build a better working relationship with the employee. Managers must respond quickly and in a manner that satisfies the employee. Ignoring the problem and hoping it will go away will only make it worse. Managers must address the issue and ensure the employee that they are taking their concerns…
