Final answer:
Whistle-blowing is the act of exposing wrongdoing within an organization, protected in the US by laws such as the Whistleblower Protection Act. It can lead to personal harm for the whistleblower, but the benefit includes promoting transparency and accountability.
Step-by-step explanation:
Whistle-blowing refers to the act of an individual publicizing instances of wrongdoing, misconduct, or unethical behavior within a bureaucracy or organization, often to expose corruption, illegal activities, or any other actions that may harm the public interest. The United States has integrated legal protections for whistleblowers, with laws such as the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978, the Whistleblower Protection Act of 1989, and the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act of 2012, which provide safeguards against retaliation.
Harm and Benefit of Whistle-blowing
- Harm: Whistle-blowers may face retaliation, which can include job loss, professional ostracism, legal challenges, and personal threats.
- Benefit: Whistle-blowing promotes accountability and transparency within organizations and can lead to the uncovering and correction of abuses and corruption, thus serving the public interest.
Assessing the benefits and harms of whistle-blowing involves weighing the potential risks to the individual and any repercussions their actions may have against the greater good of exposing unethical practices.