On the Ones Who Hear the Whistle: Towards an Analytical Framework for Analysing Complaint Recipients

Authors

  • Selina Rathke

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.26481/marble.2018.v4.644

Keywords:

Whistleblowing, Complaint Recipients, Analytical Framework, Case Study

Abstract

Tax avoidance, fraud, endangerment of public safety – criminal offences that would often remain hidden without whistleblowers. Although whistleblowing is a common research subject (e.g. Brown, 2008; Culiberg & Mihelic, 2017), few studies systematically focus on the recipients of whistleblowers’ reports. This lack of attention is striking in light of the decisive role of complaint recipients in the whistleblowing process (e.g. Lewis, Brown, & Moberly, 2014; Read & Rama, 2003). Often, it depends on the recipient’s response, whether the process comes to a standstill and injustice prevails, or whether corrective action is initiated. Drawing on the scant existing literature, this study develops and applies a comparative framework which allows for a comprehensive analysis of the role of whistleblowing complaint recipients. Findings confirm the framework’s utility to assess recipients, their responses and responsibilities. Hence, this study paves the way for the application of a novel analytical focus within whistleblowing research.

 



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Published

2018-10-20