Whistleblowing is a time when an organization member decides to inform the public on the immoral or illegal practice that is being exercised in the firm. The informing action is undertaken with a belief that someone will make the appropriate decision with regard to the reported issues in order to change them in the firm (Cammaerts and Carpentier, 19). In some cases, the employee may decide to inform someone within the organization as the best way to avoid adversely affecting the organization reputation. However, whistleblowing should be practiced with ethics. Some of these ethics include:

  • Giving information while taking into consideration the unfavorable impact that may be created between the consumer and the organization. This implies that the practice should be done in a manner that it will not result in creating friction among the parties involved (Maria, 118).
  • Respecting the rule of law that guides the handling of corporate issues.
  • Following appropriate channels, especially those created by the organization to report issues.
  • Being honest about the problems being reported and avoid engaging in malicious intentions.

Whistleblowing is only heroic when it is done genuinely. As in the case in the movie, the character Bergman is a hero as he did whistle blowing after failing to reach desired concession with Wigand about the agreement made between his company and CBS, Wigand’s company. However, in the circumstances that it is done with malicious intentions, it will not be heroic. Most of the malicious whistleblowing often get noticed by the public. Besides having some unfavorable impact to the organization, it may not last (Maria, 116).
What Are Some of the Risks of Blowing the Whistle?
Besides the fact that whistle blowing may be done with good intentions, there are risks involved which include:
Employer Retaliation
Employers that intend to make whistle blowing on their employer, there is a possibility of having employer retaliate. The laws intended to protect the whistleblowers are not sufficient hence there is a possibility of having the whistleblower be subjected to a hostile treatment by the employer which include demotion or even termination (Maria, 123).
Industry Blacklisting
Being blacklisted is another risk that is likely to be faced by the whistleblowers. Once an employee is known as a notorious whistleblower, most companies will fear to employ him even if they do not have anything to hide. In most cases, the only remaining option is that the one may decide to leave their profession or be employed at entry level where they will never get the promotion (Maria, 126).
Legal Consequences
Although it is noble to talk about illegal practices affecting the organization, there is also chances that the whistleblowers can be implicated in the legal system and be punished. Charges may be applied or the affected person face consequences for the crime.
Regardless of the risks, one has to sacrifice in search of the right thing. However, one should be willing to sacrifice to an extent that the action does not affect his or her job position. Besides, it should be done while understanding the laws that guide the process to avoid facing legal consequences. Furthermore, one should not risk one’s family to do the right thing especially when the risks does not directly affect the company or employee status (Cammaerts and Carpentier, 106).
What Is Integrity? What Is Its Relationship To Heroism? How Can This Manifest In The Business World?
Integrity refers to truthfulness and honesty exhibited in the actions of someone. It implies not being hypocritical which means being consistent and accountable for one’s actions. In regard to heroism, integrity itself is a depiction of being a hero as in addition to being honest, it is a representation of being unimpaired in one’s undertakings (Cammaerts and Carpentier, 191). In the business world, there are many challenges that tempt someone to act dishonestly. However, integrity can be manifested by embracing transparency, truthfulness and accurate when making business dealings.
What Role Is The Media Supposed To Play In A Democracy? How Is This Role Complicated By Media Existing In The Free Market and Being A Business?
In the democracy, everyone has the right to speak, act or engage in other activities given that they do not endanger or affect the well-being of others. With regard to media, it should be at the center of shaping democracy by making people aware of political, economic and social activities happening in the society (Maria, 102). In the free market and being in business, the role is complicated by the fact that besides being neutral, it has to ensure that democracy is exercised at all cost by helping people know what is happening (Maria, 98). However, there is a tendency of losing integrity if media relies on invalidated information.
What Is The Relationship Between The Business Of News And The Role The Media Is Supposed To Play In A Democracy?
Business news and the role that the media is supposed to play in a democratic world is that business news demands that the media informs the society or the target group about the progress of a given industry Mann, 1999). However, with regard to the role of the media in the democracy, the two aspects differ. The business of news has its priority in making news for the purpose of gaining or making the profit while the media is supposed to shape the democracy through information.
Once Integrity Is Lost, Can It Be Regained? Does CBS Come Out Alright In The End?
It is possible to regain once integrity or good reputation even after losing it. However, this is only through a spirited effort to ensure all the previous mistakes have been corrected. With regard to CBS, it does not come out alright because it fails to fully regain its integrity after being tarnished by the New York Times as identity assassinator following the story it published (Mann, 1999).
What Should Industries Be Regulated By The Government? How Should Government Go About Regulating Different Businesses?
Government regulation is necessary to ensure that businesses are developed based on integrity. In this case, industries that are likely to exhibit less trustworthiness in their undertakings should be subjected to more regulations. The government should impose regulation through formulating policies and laws that help direct business activities to avoid malicious activities.
When Should The Government Be Able To Penetrate Into The Zone Of Protected Trade Secrets? How Should The Government Go About This?
The role of the government is to protect its citizens against any harmful undertaking. In this case, it can penetrate into the zone of protected trade secrets any time it discovers that the activities being practiced are likely to harm citizens. However, this should be done only after establishing that it is true the subject with questionable actions has engaged in harmful plans. It is important to avoid relying on rumors that some time may not be true but fetched from malicious basis (Cammaerts and Carpentier, 167).
Works Cited
Cammaerts, B, and Nico Carpentier. Reclaiming the media: communication rights and democratic media roles. Bristol, UK Chicago, USA: Intellect Books, 2007. Print.
Mann, M. The Insider. November 5, 1999. Print. Retrieved April 25, 2017, from
Maria, William. Deadly disclosures: whistleblowing and the ethical meltdown of Australia. Kent Town, S. Aust: Wakefield Press, 1999. Print.