Whistleblowing

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Whistleblowing
Whistleblowing is an act that takes courage to do owing to the many possible negative impacts the act may have on the whistleblower such as victimization or even being fired from work. However, despite these challenges, I think that whistleblowing is necessary. First, as rightly outlined by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), whistleblowing has a number of benefits. It is true that whistleblowing can protect millions of lives and dollars which would otherwise be lost if scandals and thefts are not disclosed (U.S. Office of Personnel Management par.2). Also, whistleblowing helps promote a culture of honesty among staff both in the government and private institutions. Consequently, honesty plays a vital role as it enables employees to offer complete dedication to their institutions’ missions and achievements. What is more, organizations that advocate for whistleblowing are highly likely to have transparent structures and effective communication. Notably, the act of whistleblowing shields the general public and customers. This is because when someone reports unethical practices and other wrongdoings, the institution avoids bad public image and possible poor services rendered by the unethical employees. As such, the public continues to receive quality services.
Whistleblowing laws are there to protect whistleblowers from any negative implications such as the ones mentioned earlier. In the past, many whistleblowers have been treated unfairly at their workplace by being denied a pay rise, promotion, and other benefits.

Others have been discriminated by fellow workmates and others even fired. Therefore, the laws are important because they curb these negative effects. For instance, the 2013 Presidential Policy Directive 19 bans whistleblower victimization by taking any action against the whistleblower that affects his/her welfare (U.S. Office of Personnel Management par.12). More of such policy directives and legislations are welcome so as to motivate and protect whistleblowers.
Works Cited
U.S. Office of Personnel Management. “Whistleblower Protection Information.” U.S. Office of Personnel Management, www.opm.gov/our-inspector-general/whistleblower-protection-information/.