Question

What is the expressed aim of whistle-blowing, according to Bok? How is this relevant to deciding whether to blow the whistle?

Answer 1

The expressed aim of whistle-blowing is to expose wrongdoing or misconduct within an organization, usually in the public interest. Whistle-blowers must consider the potential benefits and risks before deciding whether to blow the whistle.

Step-by-step explanation:

The expressed aim of whistle-blowing, according to Bok, is to expose wrongdoing or misconduct within an organization, usually in the public interest. By blowing the whistle, individuals hope to bring attention to illegal or unethical practices and promote accountability and transparency.

This is relevant to deciding whether to blow the whistle because it involves considering the potential benefits and risks of taking such action. Whistle-blowers must weigh the importance of exposing wrongdoing against potential consequences such as retaliation, loss of job, or damage to their reputation.

Answer 2

The expressed aim of whistle-blowing, according to Sissela Bok, is to prevent harm by exposing wrongdoing, which guides the ethical considerations essential when deciding whether to blow the whistle. Government protections like the Whistleblower Protection Act of 1989 and the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act of 2012 provide frameworks for evaluating and conducting whistle-blowing safely.

Step-by-step explanation:

According to Sissela Bok, the expressed aim of whistle-blowing is to prevent harm by exposing wrongdoing. Whistle-blowers take the initiative to disclose information about harmful practices or wrongdoing within an organization, aiming to bring about change or reform. This is particularly relevant in deciding whether to blow the whistle as it requires balancing the potential benefits of exposing harm against the risks and ethical considerations involved in disclosing confidential information.

Bok emphasizes that the decision to whistle-blow should involve a consideration of the severity of the harm being reported, the legitimacy of one's concerns, the likelihood of the information leading to positive change, and the well-being of stakeholders affected by the whistleblowing action. Understanding the aim of whistle-blowing according to Bok helps potential whistle-blowers weigh the ethical implications of their actions and consider the consequences for themselves and others.

Government acts such as the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978, the Whistleblower Protection Act of 1989, and the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act of 2012, reflect the legal recognition and protection of the importance of blowing the whistle in public interest. These acts provide a framework for evaluating and safely conducting whistle-blowing activities within federal agencies, illustrating the balance between transparency and the need to protect sensitive information.