Final answer:
Whistleblowing is the act of disclosing an employer's illegal or unethical activities to authorities or the public. It is protected by laws such as the Whistleblower Protection Act, distinguishing it from defamation or corporate espionage, both of which have different motivations and legal implications.
Step-by-step explanation:
Going to an official government agency and disclosing an employer’s violation of the law is considered whistleblowing. This is when an individual, often an employee, reveals information about illegal or unethical activities within an organization to the public or to those in positions of authority. The federal government of the United States, for example, has implemented laws to protect whistleblowers from retaliation, such as the Whistleblower Protection Act of 1989 and the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act of 2012. These laws were enacted in recognition of the important role that whistleblowers play in maintaining governmental and corporate accountability.
Whistleblowing allows individuals to call attention to wrongdoing, and it is a protected action aimed at exposing and correcting unethical or illegal activities. It is crucial to distinguish between whistleblowing and other concepts like protected speech, which refers broadly to the freedom to express opinions and ideas, and defamation, which involves the communication of false information that harms the reputation of an individual or entity. In contrast, corporate espionage refers to illicitly obtaining confidential information about a company for competitive advantage. Whistleblowing is distinct as it involves disclosing truth for the greater good and is not motivated by personal gain.