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Whistleblowing: Navigating Ethical Dilemmas

This document discusses the difficult situation of witnessing unethical behavior by a coworker. It outlines the ideals of integrity and objectivity that auditors should uphold based on their code of ethics. However, it can be challenging to determine whether to report unethical behavior or remain quiet to protect one's job. The document advises that if reporting is the choice, documentation should be thorough but the immediate supervisor informed first. It also notes the legal protections for whistleblowers under laws like Sarbanes-Oxley that encourage reporting unethical behavior.

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lexracheling
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7 views1 page

Whistleblowing: Navigating Ethical Dilemmas

This document discusses the difficult situation of witnessing unethical behavior by a coworker. It outlines the ideals of integrity and objectivity that auditors should uphold based on their code of ethics. However, it can be challenging to determine whether to report unethical behavior or remain quiet to protect one's job. The document advises that if reporting is the choice, documentation should be thorough but the immediate supervisor informed first. It also notes the legal protections for whistleblowers under laws like Sarbanes-Oxley that encourage reporting unethical behavior.

Uploaded by

lexracheling
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

CASE 1

Unethical practices are unfortunate and common in many businesses. It would be


difficult to witness unethical behavior by one of your coworkers and wondering how to deal
with the situation in an appropriate manner. You feel you cannot ignore the matter; also, you
feel unwilling to put your own job or career in jeopardy. 

Integrity which is also synonymous with diligence and truthfulness is just one of the four
ideals that auditors should aspire to maintain in work as laid out in the Code of Ethics. But, the
big but is that more often than not, it’s hard to draw the line between doing what is right over
doing what is right for you. Then enters objectivity, another principle which states that
impartiality is a desirable characteristic however, a person normally acts subjectively. In this
case, it is difficult to choose between blowing the whistle and save the day or remain quiet and
let your current job save you.

If I had been Mr. Eatough, I would ask the million dollar question in my head over and
over. Is it worth reporting or not? I would also seek help from reliable peers or perhaps
coworkers whom I can trust, to gain more insights.

If he believes that whistle blowing is the best idea then might as well do it flawlessly.
First, I think it is advisable to document his claims thoroughly. It is unwise not to file solid
documentation for his claims. Second, he should probably speak to his immediate supervisor
first with respect to the principle of confidentiality; making it public too soon would make it
messy. It would be extra challenging if it’s his boss committing the behavior in question, he’d be
forced to seek help from someone who has the power to influence the situation.

It is of course a tough decision to do with the fear of getting fired always in


consideration plus the legal battles that would follow after. Perhaps he could write an
anonymous letter or use a third party such as an attorney to report the unethical behavior.
I’d tell Mr. Eatough to pay attention to his surroundings and weigh the chances and if
ever, not proceed unless he is really prepared, that is, financially and psychologically, for
negative outcomes. Then again, there is provision of new laws that gives encouragement to
employees like Mr. Eatough. One worth mentioning is the provision of Sarbanes-Oxley Act
which gives whistle blowers perks once they do the right thing such as; make it illegal to
"discharge, demote, suspend, threaten, harass or in any manner discriminate against"
whistleblowers, give a whistleblower the right to a jury trial, bypassing months or years of
administrative hearings. Indeed this act is responsible for making employees feel more
empowered to report ethical or legal violations.

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