Reasons for Whistleblowing: A Qualitative Study

Year 2017, Volume: 7 Issue: 1, 37 - 51, 01.04.2017

Ali Baltacı Ali Balcı

Abstract

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Keywords

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Reasons for Whistleblowing: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Whistleblowing has become a commonly encountered concept in recent times. Negative
behaviors and actions can be experienced in any organization, and whistleblowing, as a
communication process, is a kind of ethical behavior. Whistleblowing is the transmission of
an unfavorable situation discovered in the organization to either internal or external
authorities. An examination of the reasons for the employee’s whistleblowing is important for
a better understanding of this concept; hence, this research focuses on the reasons for
whistleblowing. In addition, the reasons for avoiding whistleblowing were also investigated.
This research, which is designed as a qualitative study, is based on the phenomenological
approach. Interviews were conducted with open‐ended, semi‐structured interview form in the
study. The research was conducted on 20 teachers, 12 administrators, and 7 inspectors. The
data were analyzed using the content analysis method. As a result of the research, the
individual, organizational and social reasons for whistleblowing have been differentiated.
Among the individual reasons for whistleblowing are the considerations of protecting and
gaining interests. Organizational reasons include business ethics and the expectation of
subsequent promotion. Social reasons encompass social benefits, social justice, and religious
belief. Reasons for avoiding whistleblowing vary based on retaliation and worry. This research
is considered important because as it is believed to be the first qualitative research to approach
the reasons for whistleblowing. The results of this research have revealed gaps in the
understanding of this area for future studies.

Keywords

Whistleblowing, Avoiding Whistleblowing, Reasons for Whistleblowing

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