______is defined as “the public disclosure, by a person working within an organization of acts, omissions, practices, or policies perceived as morally wrong by that person.” Reverse Discrimination Whistle-blowing Confidentiality
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is: Whistle-blowing
Explanation (300 words):
Whistle-blowing is defined as the public disclosure, by a person working within an organization, of acts, omissions, practices, or policies that the individual perceives as morally wrong or unethical. This act typically involves reporting misconduct, illegal activities, or breaches of ethical standards to authorities, the public, or internal supervisors.
Whistle-blowers may raise concerns about various wrongdoings such as fraud, corruption, health and safety violations, discrimination, or abuse. They often take action after unsuccessfully attempting to resolve the issue internally. When internal efforts fail or when the risk to the public is too great, whistle-blowers may choose to go public or report to external regulatory bodies.
Whistle-blowing is a vital mechanism for accountability and transparency, particularly in large organizations such as corporations, hospitals, and government institutions. It helps expose unethical or illegal behavior that could harm individuals, communities, or the environment. Famous examples include whistle-blowers who exposed unsafe medical practices, environmental violations, or financial fraud.
However, whistle-blowing can come with significant personal and professional risks. Whistle-blowers may face retaliation such as job loss, harassment, or legal consequences. To address this, many countries have enacted whistle-blower protection laws that offer legal safeguards and anonymity to those who disclose wrongdoing in good faith.
It is important to distinguish whistle-blowing from other concepts:
- Reverse discrimination refers to discrimination against members of a dominant or majority group.
- Confidentiality involves keeping personal or sensitive information private and not disclosing it without proper consent.
In contrast, whistle-blowing often involves breaking confidentiality for the greater ethical or public good. Nurses, for example, may need to report unsafe practices that jeopardize patient safety, even if it involves breaching internal confidentiality, as ethical duty to protect patients takes precedence.
Thus, whistle-blowing plays a crucial role in promoting ethical conduct and organizational integrity.