Whistleblowing: Toward a New Theory

Whistleblowers are essential to society, but they are often punished or ignored for exposing wrongdoing. Kate Kenny's book "Whistleblowing" explores the practices that would make it less perilous to hold the powerful to account and leave us all better off.

Format: Hardback
Length: 296 pages
Publication date: 02 April 2019
Publisher: Harvard University Press

Society desperately needs whistleblowers, yet speaking up and exposing wrongdoing often leads to professional and personal ruin. Kate Kenny delves into the stories of whistleblowers to shed light on why this is and what steps must be taken to safeguard those courageous individuals who dare to reveal the truth.

Despite their immense contribution to society, whistleblowers are often treated as martyrs rather than heroes. When individuals expose significant wrongdoing within their organizations, they face punishment or neglect. Many end up isolated by colleagues, their professional careers destroyed. The financial industry, known for its scandals, serves as the focal point of Kate Kenny's comprehensive global study. Introducing whistleblowers from the United States, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and Ireland, working at companies such as Wachovia, Halifax Bank of Scotland, and Countrywide-Bank of America, Whistleblowing offers practical practices that would reduce the risks associated with holding the powerful accountable and benefit society as a whole.

Kenny conducted interviews with the men and women who reported unethical and illegal conduct at major corporations in the lead-up to the 2008 financial crisis. Many of these individuals were compliance officers working in influential organizations that claimed to adhere to the rules. By employing the concept of affective recognition, Kenny reframes whistleblowing as a collective phenomenon rather than a personal choice. She emphasizes how the norms at work profoundly influence our perceptions of right and wrong, making whistleblowing a vital public service.

In conclusion, society needs whistleblowers more than ever. Their courage and commitment to exposing the truth are essential in holding powerful individuals accountable and promoting a more just and equitable society. However, whistleblowers often face severe consequences, making it crucial to protect and support them. By understanding the factors that contribute to whistleblowing and implementing effective measures to safeguard whistleblowers, we can create a safer and more transparent world.

Weight: 590g
Dimension: 166 x 244 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780674975798