If the Employee Blows the Whistle, Can the Organization Listen and Respond? Studying the Responsive Qualities of Whistleblowing Systems

Organizational responsiveness is fundamental in shaping effective management practices, influencing daily operations, and long-term strategies. Within the realm of business ethics, there is a growing recognition of the importance of whistleblowing policies, mechanisms, and systems as tools for organizational self-regulation. However, while regulations for whistleblowing typically encourage speaking out, their efficacy in enhancing organizational responsiveness toward whistleblowers remains uncertain. Drawing on literature regarding the responsive organization, the courage to listen, and the ethics of answering, this chapter advocates for a comprehensive exploration of how whistleblowing policies, mechanisms, and systems shape the responsive capabilities of organizations. Understanding how these regulations for whistleblowing facilitate an organization’s ability to listen and respond to whistleblowers’ concerns can aid practitioners and researchers in promoting responsible and ethical organizational practices in regard to whistleblowing.