Solving a Problem or Sounding the Alarm? Guidelines on Blowing the Whistle

Lynn S. Paine; Lara  Adamsons

Background Note | HBS Case Collection | June 2008 (Revised January 2012)

Solving a Problem or Sounding the Alarm? Guidelines on Blowing the Whistle

by Lynn S. Paine and Lara Adamsons

Abstract

Many of us will at some point in our professional lives encounter situations involving what we believe to be wrongful or injurious activities that may cause harm to innocent parties, our company, or the public. It may be necessary to bring the matter to the attention of someone who can do something about it—to engage in what is sometimes called "whistleblowing." This note outlines some factors that should be considered when that happens.

Keywords: Crime and Corruption; Ethics; Corporate Disclosure; Business Processes; Behavior;

Format: Print

5 pages

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Citation:

Paine, Lynn S., and Lara Adamsons. "Solving a Problem or Sounding the Alarm? Guidelines on Blowing the Whistle." Harvard Business School Background Note 308-005, June 2008. (Revised January 2012.)

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Solving a Problem or Sounding the Alarm? Guidelines on Blowing the Whistle

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