Introduction
Whistleblowers are essential in modern society because they expose acts of misconduct and hold enterprises, government institutions, and organizations accountable for their actions. According to Chordiya et al. (2020), the daring acts of disclosing concealed truths by these individuals can safeguard the public interest, encourage ethical behavior, and increase transparency. However, deciding to blow the whistle is rarely easy, as it frequently implies risks to the individual’s personal and professional life (Ceva & Bocchiola, 2020). This essay discusses the relevance of whistleblowers, evaluates the appropriateness of the protection afforded to them, and analyzes a significant whistleblower case to determine whether the same course of action would have been taken in that situation.
The Value of Whistleblowers
In their role as watchdogs, those who blow the whistle on unlawful activities, corruption, fraud, and other unethical actions pay close attention to these crimes. Without whistleblowers, many unlawful acts would go unnoticed, and organizations would be free to continue engaging in these activities without being held accountable (Ceva & Bocchiola, 2020). Through their activities, lives can be saved, the environment can be protected, and financial resources can be preserved.
Whistleblowers provide a vital service to society by exposing misbehavior within organizations. For instance, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 was enacted in response to the Enron debacle, which was exposed by a whistleblower (Chordiya et al., 2020). This legislation was enacted to safeguard investors from dishonest financial management. Ceva and Bocchiola (2020) suggest that whistleblowers drive change by initiating investigations that eventually uncover and address systemic issues. They are the primary impetus for heightened ethical standards, increased corporate accountability, and regulatory changes.
Challenges and Risks
When they choose to come forward, whistleblowers frequently confront a significant number of obstacles and hazards, despite the crucial role that they play. Professional revenge, such as being fired or transferred, can harm their careers in a lasting manner (Snowden, 2019). Additionally, individuals in the public may make threats, bother them, or closely monitor their activities.
Blowing the whistle causes mental anguish, which can damage relationships with friends, family, and coworkers. According to Chordiya et al. (2020), whistleblowers risk being sued and potentially losing financial compensation. Due to this, many individuals decide against coming forward with the knowledge that may prevent more illegal activity and the resulting damage to people, the environment, and the economy. These problems demonstrate the need for robust safeguards to promote and protect individuals who speak out.
Legal Protection for Whistleblowers
Since people who speak out against crimes are so important, many countries have passed laws to protect their rights. These laws protect informants from punishment and provide individuals with possibilities to report illegal behavior. The US Whistleblower Protection Act and the False Claims Act protect and reward public sector whistleblowers (Chordiya et al., 2020).
Whistleblowers in the UK are less protected than those in the US. The European Union has regulations in place to protect whistleblowers, including provisions for privacy and non-punishment (Ceva & Bocchiola, 2020). Even though these law guidelines would be beneficial, there is no guarantee that they would be implemented or even maintained.
Case Study
Edward Snowden
Well-known informant Edward Snowden raised awareness of government surveillance and privacy abuses. These acts happened in 2013, when the former NSA employee Edward Snowden disclosed classified materials (Ceva & Bocchiola, 2020). These papers revealed the extent to which the NSA monitored people without their consent (Snowden, 2019).
Snowden thought he had to do the job, so he gave these papers to the press. Since Snowden believed the monitoring programs violated the privacy rights of ordinary Americans, he felt compelled to alert the public. Due to his actions, a global discussion about individual rights, government monitoring, and privacy was initiated.
Snowden’s revelations proved that intelligence services might violate privacy (Snowden, 2019). Some called him a hero for exposing government malfeasance, while others called him a traitor who endangered national security. Snowden’s actions have drawn criticism and lawsuits. Ultimately, his actions have been described as both brave and polarizing.
Evaluation of Edward Snowden’s Actions
After everything that happened, I cannot decide whether I would have chosen what Edward Snowden did. According to Ceva and Bocchiola (2020), blowing the whistle is a difficult moral decision, as the whistleblower must evaluate their commitment to the group, the harm the violation might cause, and their belief in the greater benefit to the community. Snowden’s decision to disclose confidential material was unquestionably a high-stakes risk that would have grave repercussions for him. Even if his acts contributed to the worldwide conversation on privacy and surveillance, assessing the potential consequences and alternative pathways for tackling the issue is vital. His actions contributed to the global dialogue on privacy and surveillance.
Honesty and transparency are crucial, but I must also assess the risks of making a decision, such as being sued, losing resources, or damaging my job or personal reputation. In summary, whistleblowers play a crucial role in keeping corporations honest and accountable, but they must be protected from harassment and legal threats to effectively fulfill their duties.
Getting Better Protection for Whistleblowers
Several steps can be taken to enhance the protection afforded to whistleblowers. First, comprehensive legislation that includes strong legal safeguards and transparent reporting methods must be implemented. According to Chordiya et al. (2020), protections should be extended to the public and commercial sectors, encompassing various conceivable whistleblowing circumstances.
Second, it is essential to protect the identity and confidentiality of individuals who blow the whistle, so that they may come forward without fear of retribution. Thirdly, education and awareness initiatives can be conducted to foster a favorable perspective on whistleblowing and the societal benefits that accompany it (Ceva & Bocchiola, 2020). Finally, independent oversight organizations should be established to conduct investigations into complaints made by whistleblowers and implement suitable protection measures.
Conclusion
Ultimately, whistleblowers play a crucial role in exposing unethical behavior within companies, fostering transparency, and promoting accountability. Due to their acts, wrongdoings that pose significant risks to public welfare and ethical norms have been brought to light. However, whistleblowers frequently put themselves at risk both professionally and personally, so effective protection systems are essential. Even though there is a law in many nations to protect those who whistle on wrongdoing, there is still an opportunity to improve its enforcement and effectiveness.
Analyzing the situation with Edward Snowden reveals how complex and personal the decision to blow the whistle can be. Comprehensive protection mechanisms should be implemented to get more people to come forward and defend their interests. These measures should also foster a culture that appreciates and protects those who expose wrongdoing, thereby inspiring more people to come forward.
References
Ceva, E., & Bocchiola, M. (2020). Theories of whistleblowing. Philosophy Compass, 15(1), e12642. Web.
Chordiya, R., Sabharwal, M., Relly, J. E., & Berman, E. M. (2020). Organizational protection for whistleblowers: A cross-national study. Public Management Review, 22(4), 527-552. Web.
Snowden, E. (2019). Permanent Record: A Memoir of a Reluctant Whistleblower. Pan Macmillan. Web.