
The Role of the Whistleblower
Company leaders should welcome, not fear, the whistleblower. In the 19th century, when a law enforcement officer wanted to alert the public to imminent danger — a fire, a runaway horse, a pickpocket running through the crowd — he blew his whistle. Today’s “whistleblower” is an insider or former insider who reports misconduct that has been enabled or ignored by those entrusted to prevent it. Calling attention to conduct that is perceived to be tolerated, even if the actions are inappropriate, may be treated as disruptive or even