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Dissenting Discourse: Exploring Alternatives to the Whistleblowing/Silence Dichotomy

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Abstract

In recent times, whistleblowing has become one of the most popularly debated issues of business ethics. Popular discussion has coincided with the institutionalisation of whistleblowing via legal and administrative practices, supported by the emergence of academic research in the field. However, the public practice and knowledge that has subsequently developed appears to construct a dichotomy of whistleblowing/silence; that is, an employee elects either to ‘blow the whistle’ on organisational wrongdoing, or remain silent. We argue that this public transcript of whistleblowing/silence overshadows the importance of continuing research into alternative (individual or collective) employee behaviour. Drawing on original research with a financial services organisation, our research uncovers a dissenting discourse that operates through implicit communication, such as codes, sarcasm and jokes. We suggest that this hidden transcript offers significant opportunities for employees to act ethically, and offers the potential to sustain an ethical organisational culture.

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Notes

  1. We focus here upon the legislation in Australia, based on our research focus on an Australian financial services organisation.

  2. Co-workers can be defined as the peers with whom an individual conducts the majority of his or her work interactions, but excludes those with a formal responsibility for managing the work of that individual (Hollinger and Clark 1982).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Allens Arthur Robinson, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia

    Hayden Teo

  2. Business School, University of Western Australia, M261, 35 Stirling Highway, Nedlands, WA, 6009, Australia

    Donella Caspersz

Authors
  1. Hayden Teo
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Correspondence to Donella Caspersz.

Appendix 1: Schedule of Interview Questions

Appendix 1: Schedule of Interview Questions

A. Organisational Culture

Organisational symbols:

  1. A1.

    What are special terms here that only insiders understand?

  2. A2.

    Is there a particular phrase, or phrases, which you would use often?

  3. A3.

    What kind of images do you associate with your work at this organisation?

Organisational heroes:

  1. A4.

    What kinds of people are likely to advance quickly in their career here?

  2. A5.

    Whom do you consider as particularly meaningful persons for this organisation?

  3. A6.

    What type of person would fit in at this organisation?

Organisational rituals:

  1. A7.

    In what periodic meetings do you participate?

  2. A8.

    How do people behave during these meetings?

  3. A9.

    Which events are celebrated in this organisation?

Organisational values:

  1. A10.

    What things do people like to see happening here?

  2. A11.

    What is the biggest mistake you can possibly make?

  3. A12.

    What types of behaviours are rewarded?

  4. A13.

    What work problems can keep you awake at night?

B. Business Ethics

  1. B1.

    What does the term ‘business ethics’ mean to you?

  2. B2.

    What programs/training in ethics does your organisation have in place?

  3. B3.

    Do the leaders enforce the rules of this organisation?

  4. B4.

    How consistently are formal policies implemented?

  5. B5.

    How do leaders in your organisation manage different perspectives in the workplace?

  6. B6.

    How would your organisation respond to a confidential report made about workplace misconduct?

C. Organisational Values and Personal Values

  1. C1.

    Tell me about the values of this organisation.

  2. C2.

    Are you attracted to these values?

  3. C3.

    How attached do you consider yourself to the organisation?

  4. C4.

    Do you feel in control of your work?

  5. C5.

    Is your organisation responsive to employee concerns?

  6. C6.

    Within organisations generally, who do you believe is responsible for maintaining ethics in business?

  7. C7.

    What do you see as your responsibility in maintaining ethics in business?

D. Sub-cultures

  1. D1.

    Tell me about your relationships with other workers here.

  2. D2.

    Are these relationships different to your relationship with your manager or supervisor?

E. Whistleblowing and Internal Disclosure Policy

  1. E1.

    What does the term ‘whistleblowing’ mean to you?

  2. E2.

    Can you describe your organisation’s internal disclosure policy?

  3. E3.

    Are you aware of any previous use of this policy? If yes—can you describe the circumstances?

  4. E4.

    How would you go about making a report to your supervisor/manager?

  5. E5.

    Would you be prepared to follow this internal disclosure policy?

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Teo, H., Caspersz, D. Dissenting Discourse: Exploring Alternatives to the Whistleblowing/Silence Dichotomy. J Bus Ethics 104, 237–249 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-011-0906-x

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