Whistle Blowing

WHISTLEBLOWING: AN ETHICAL DILEMMA Joan K. Pierson, Karen A. Forcht, Ben M. Bauman Information and Decision Sciences Department James Madison University Harrisonburg, Virginia, USA

ABSTRACT
Because most organizations depend on computer systems that electronically store important data to perform crucial business functions, the integrity of these information systems is paramount. Securing company systems, however, is not always an easy task. More sophisticated systems often provide widespread access to computer resources and increased user knowledge, which may lead to added difficulties in maintaining security. This paper explores whistleblowing-employees ' exposing illegal or unethical computer practices taking place in the organization~as a method of computer security and the support for whistleblowing found in codes of ethical conduct formulated by professional societies.

INTRODUCTION Whistleblowing is the term applied to the reporting by employees of illegal, immoral, or illegitimate practices under the control of their employers to parties who can take corrective action (Elliston 1985). Whistleblowing is a controversial organizational issue. On the positive side, whistleblowers can help organizations correct unsafe products or working conditions and curb fraudulent or wasteful practices. Whistleblowers may provide a previously underutilized source of information critical in maintaining the performance of large complex organizations (Ewing 1983, Miceli & Near 1985). Conversely, whistleblowers may threaten an organization 's authority structure, cohesiveness, and public image (Weinstein 1979). Despite the problems, there is an increased interest on the part of managers in the issue of whistleblowing and how to handle such incidents (Bamett 1993, Ewing 1983, Keenan 1988a, Rowe & Baker 1984). Codes of ethics provide guidance for professionals in such fields as accounting, law, engineering, medicine, and education, as well as in information systems. This paper

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