Portfolio Project Assignment: Whistleblower Analysis

Portfolio Project Assignment Option 2 Whistleblower Analysisethics A

Choose a case where a whistleblower has reported an activity that he/she considers to be illegal or dishonest to one or more of the parties involved. Write for that industry. If you are not currently involved in any industry, choose a hypothetical industry.

Address the following in your case analysis: · Whether or not it was ethical to be the whistleblower. · The way in which he or she exposed how the information was being used. · Discuss how he or she should have followed proper protocol (such as that required of a contractor, e.g.). · Discuss the reasons for leaking the documents to various media resources. · How does the reporting affect the company that the whistleblower was working for? · What are the ethical implications of the actions? · How might you, as a company representative, handle a situation like this? · What is your view regarding the case you chose? · Support your stand based on what you have learned in the course.

Discuss and define a whistleblower as defined by the policy of the company/organization you have chosen. Explain who reports an activity that he or she considers illegal or dishonest to one or more of the parties specified. The whistleblower is not responsible for investigating the activity or for determining fault or corrective measures; appropriate management officials are charged with these responsibilities.

Give some examples of illegal or dishonest activities that are violations of federal, state or local laws. If an employee has knowledge of or a concern about illegal or dishonest fraudulent activity, the employee is to contact his or her immediate supervisor or the Human Resources Director.

Do you agree with this protocol? The employee must exercise sound judgment to avoid baseless allegations. An employee who intentionally files a false report of wrongdoing will be subject to discipline up to and including termination. Whistleblower protections are provided in two important areas—first, to protect confidentiality and second, to protect against retaliation. Insofar as possible, the confidentiality of the whistleblower will be maintained.

However, identity may have to be disclosed to conduct a thorough investigation, to comply with the law and to provide accused individuals their legal rights of defense. The company will not retaliate against a whistleblower.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Whistleblowing is a crucial aspect of maintaining ethical standards within organizations and industries. It involves employees or insiders reporting illegal or dishonest activities that threaten the integrity and compliance of a corporation with legal standards. This paper will analyze the case of a whistleblower within the pharmaceutical industry, specifically focusing on the infamous case of Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha and the Flint Water Crisis, and explore ethical considerations, procedural protocols, and possible outcomes and responsibilities from a corporate perspective.

Definition and Role of a Whistleblower

According to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC, 2020), a whistleblower is an individual who reports suspected violations of federal securities laws to the authorities, motivated by a desire to promote ethical compliance and prevent fraudulent or illegal activities. Organizations often define a whistleblower as an employee or insider who detects misconduct, illegal practices, or dishonest behaviors and reports them to management or regulatory agencies without the intention of personal gain. The core principle is that whistleblowers safeguard public interest and uphold legal standards without investigation duties or fault-finding responsibilities.

Case Overview: Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha and the Flint Water Crisis

In 2015, Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha, a pediatrician and public health advocate, exposed the elevated lead levels in the water supply of Flint, Michigan. The city had switched its water source to the Flint River to save costs, but the new water was contaminated with lead and other toxins. Dr. Hanna-Attisha observed a rise in lead poisoning among children and conducted research demonstrating the correlation. Her findings challenged the city officials and the state's Department of Environmental Quality, raising concerns about illegal neglect and environmental violations.

Was It Ethical to Be the Whistleblower?

From an ethical perspective, Dr. Hanna-Attisha’s decision to expose the water crisis aligns with principles of social responsibility and public health ethics. Her moral obligation was to protect vulnerable populations, especially children who are most susceptible to lead poisoning. Ethical theories such as Deontological Ethics emphasize duty—her duty to safeguard public health—over potential professional or personal risks. Although whistleblowing often entails backlash, her moral integrity and commitment to societal well-being justified her actions, exemplifying ethical whistleblowing in the public interest (Jacob &其他, 2019).

Exposing How the Information Was Used

Dr. Hanna-Attisha utilized scientific research, community advocacy, and media engagement to reveal that the city’s water was contaminated. She presented her findings at public forums, collaborated with journalists, and provided data to regulatory authorities. Her transparent and factual dissemination of information highlighted the extent of the environmental health threat, prompting investigations and remedial actions. Her approach exemplified responsible and evidence-based whistleblowing, prioritizing public safety over institutional silence or obfuscation.

Following Proper Protocol

Ideally, Dr. Hanna-Attisha should have first reported her concerns internally to the city’s water department, environmental agencies, or her employer to allow them to address the issue before raising it publicly. Within organizations, proper channels often involve submitting written complaints, engaging compliance officers, or consulting legal advisors to ensure that the misconduct is formally documented and investigated internally. External reporting should serve as a last resort if internal efforts fail or if there is imminent danger to public health (Kaplan, 2020).

Reasons for Leaking Information to Media

The decision to leak information to the media was driven by urgency and the perceived failure of internal mechanisms to address public health risks. When authorities dismiss or downplay concerns, whistleblowers may resort to media outlets to accelerate action and alert the public and policymakers. In the Flint case, media coverage generated widespread awareness, moral outrage, and political pressure that motivated official investigations and remediation efforts. Media exposure thus acts as a catalyst for accountability, especially when internal channels are ineffective.

Impact on the Company and Ethical Implications

The whistleblower’s actions severely impacted Flint’s municipal authorities and state agencies, leading to lawsuits, criminal charges, and institutional reform. Ethically, the case underscores the dilemma between loyalty to employers and responsibility to society. While organizational loyalty encourages confidentiality, the moral duty to prevent harm and uphold public safety justifies whistleblowing. The ethical implications include balancing transparency, public interest, and potential retaliation against whistleblowers who expose misconduct (Reidenberg & Levin, 2018).

Role of a Company Representative

As a company or organizational representative, handling a whistleblower situation involves establishing clear protocols, safeguarding confidentiality, and ensuring thorough investigation. Managers should foster an environment where employees feel secure to raise concerns internally, providing protections against retaliation. Proper training on whistleblowing policies and legal protections, such as the Sarbanes-Oxley Act or Dodd-Frank Act, helps ensure ethical handling of reports. When external disclosures occur, it’s crucial to cooperate with authorities and uphold transparency while protecting employee rights (Barker & Sellers, 2021).

Personal View and Course-Based Support

In the Flint Water Crisis case, I believe Dr. Hanna-Attisha acted ethically and responsibly by prioritizing public health and transparency. Her actions exemplify the vital role of whistleblowers in ensuring corporate and governmental accountability. Based on course principles, ethical whistleblowing involves balanced judgment, adherence to protocols, and prioritization of social welfare over organizational loyalty when public safety is at risk. Organizations should embed ethical cultures that empower employees to act ethically and protect whistleblowers from retaliation (Mayer & Hsieh, 2022).

Conclusion

Whistleblowing remains a fundamental tool for fostering ethical behavior within organizations. The Flint Water Crisis illustrates the importance of responsible disclosure, adherence to protocols, and societal accountability. While whistleblowing can have adverse consequences for the organization, ethical considerations and social responsibility demand transparency and courage when confronting misconduct. Organizations must cultivate supportive environments and clear procedures to align ethical duties with effective corporate governance.

References

• Barker, R. & Sellers, F. (2021). Ethical Leadership and Whistleblower Protections. Journal of Business Ethics, 164(2), 345-359.
• Jacob, D. & others. (2019). Ethical Theories in Public Health. Public Health Ethics, 12(3), 264-278.
• Kaplan, S. (2020). Internal Reporting and Whistleblower Procedures. Corporate Governance International, 28(4), 210-227.
• Mayer, R. & Hsieh, Y. (2022). Building Ethical Corporate Cultures: The Role of Organizational Policies. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 43(6), 825-842.
• Reidenberg, J., & Levin, B. (2018). Ethical Dilemmas in Whistleblowing. Ethics & Behavior, 28(4), 311-330.
• Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). (2020). The Dodd-Frank Act and Whistleblower Protections. SEC.gov.