Whistleblowing

Presentedby~LisaA.Wines

Definition of Whistle-Blowing
One who reveals wrong-doing within an
organization to the public or to those in
positions of authority.
One who discloses information about
misconduct in their workplace that they feel
violates the law or endangers the welfare of
others.
One who speaks out, typically to expose
corruption or dangers to the public or
environment.

Types of Whistle-Blowing
Internal WhistleBlowing

External WhistleBlowing

When an individual
advocates beliefs or
revelations within
the organization.

When and individual

advocates beliefs or
revelations outside
the organization.

Characteristics of a
Whistleblower
Altruistically Motivated
Utilitarian
Uninterested in Altering
Their Behavior
Allows Own Attitudes
and Beliefs to Guide
Them
Often are Well Educated
and Holds Professional
Positions

Effects of Whistle-Blowing
Forced to leave
organization/demotion
Credibility ruined
Family, health, and/or
life in jeopardy
Outrage and
divisiveness of people
directly or indirectly
involved

Physical or
psychological
isolation
Organization
experiences loss of
money, restitution,
productivity, and
positive reputations.
Incarceration

Protection Laws
The Whistleblower
Protection Law ~
1989

The Whistleblower
Act ~ 1994

Delineations of Ethical &

Professional Responsibilities

ACA

TCA

LPC

SBEC

Theassociationistoclarify
thenatureofethical
responsibilityheldby
members.

Theassociationistoclarify
thenatureofethical
responsibilityheldby
members.

Alicenseeshallnotmake
anyfalse,misleading,
deceptive,fraudulent,or
exaggeratedclaimsabout
licenseesservicesand
servicesofthementalhealth
organization.

TheTexaseducatorshall
complywithstandard
practicesandethicalconduct
towardstudents,colleagues,
schoolofficialsandparents.

Theassociationisto
establishprinciplesthat
defineethicalbehaviorsthat
allmembersshouldadhere
to.

Theassociationisto
establishprinciplesthat
defineethicalbehaviorsthat
allmembersshouldadhere
to.

Alicenseeshalldiscouragea
clientandotherswhomthe
licensedoesnotcontrolfrom
effectivenessofservices,
practice,qualifications,
associationsorproducts.

TheTexaseducatorshould
respectandobeythelaw,
demonstratepersonal
integrity,andexemplify
honesty

TheCodeofEthicswill
serveasthebasisfor
processingethical
complaintsinitiatedagainst
membersoftheassociation.

TheTexaseducatorshould
exemplifyjustandequitable
treatment.

A Closer Look
ACA

TCA

SBEC

H.2WhenaCounselor
possessesdoubtastowhether
ornotaCounselorisactingin
anethicalmannertake
appropriateaction.

D.1.CCounselorsmustalert
theiremployerstoconditions
thatmaybepotentially
disruptiveordamagingtothe
counselorsprofessional
responsibilitiesorthatmay
limittheireffectiveness.

b.1.A,B,F/b.2.B,D,F,G
Theeducatorshallnot
knowinglyengagein
deceptivepractices,
misappropriate,divert,use
moniesforpersonalgain,or
falsifyrecordsorcoerce
otherstodoso.
Theeducatorshallnotharm
othersbymakingfalse
statements,interferew/
politicalorprofessional
responsibilities,usecoercive
meansofspecialtreatment,or
retaliateagainstanyindividual
whohasfiledacomplaint.

Case Study of Jeanie

ErinBrockovich

EditorialCartoon

Resources
Ahern, K. & McDonald, S.(2000). The professional consequences of whistle-blowing by nurses.
Journal of Professional Nursing, 16 (6), 313-321.
Berenbeim, R. (2002). Improper corporate behavior. Vital Speeches of the Day. 68 (10), 305.
Green, A. D., & Latting, J. K. (2004). Whistle-Blowing as a form of advocacy: Guidelines for the
practitioner and organization. National Association of Social Work, 49 (2), 219-230.
Martin, B. (1999). Whistleblowing and nonviolence. Peace & Change, 24 (1), 15-28.
Radack, J. (2003). The government attorney whistleblower and the rule of confidentiality:
Compatible at last. Georgetown Journal of Legal Ethics, 17 (1), 125-43.