LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Whistleblowing: Individuals
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The Breech School of Business debate series started the year with a debate concerning the topic of whistleblowing as related to Sarbanes Oxley. The debate coincided with the dedication of Breech 105 as the BKD Room in recognition of the great contributions made by the accounting firm BKD, LLP to Drury University throughout the years. The debate took place in the Breech Lounge, which was once again filled to capacity, demonstrating the appeal of the debate series to individuals within the Breech School as well as the campus as a whole.
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In this bleak institutional context, whistleblowing would seem to be an act of remarkable moral courage. Indeed, this analysis suggests that if whistleblowing is dependent solely on individual conscientiousness or self-sacrifice in the face of bureaucratic indifference or retaliation, then such acts will remain relatively rare. May recognizes the need for a countervailing force beyond an individual’s inner resources that would bolster socially responsible behavior. He argues that a person’s integrity and moral responsibility must be shaped and supported by relevant communities and associations that provide a context for socially responsible behavior and professional ethics. This communitarian ethic might then impact how individuals perceive their moral responsibilities and support a conception of whistleblowing, not as an act of disloyalty, but as an act of virtue.
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There have, of course, been successful cases of whistleblowing although even in these cases, the personal and professional toll on the individuals has been heavy. In 1968, A. Ernest Fitzgerald, who was in charge of cost evaluations of the C-5A air transport program, found a cost overrun of $2 billion. Although the Air Force dismissed him, he was reinstated through legal action. He was... demoted. He later won another appeal for reinstatement in his former position. The reasoning for the actions against him was explained in a memorandum to John Haldeman of the Nixon White House: " Fitzgerald is no doubt a top-notch expert, but he must be given very low marks on loyalty; and loyalty is the name of the game."
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Justifiable whistleblowing by health care professionals should not be considered morally wrong. If hospital authorities fail to take action over legitimate reported concerns, whistleblowing is likely to be the only means available to the individual to protect patients at risk of harm. Some individuals believe it is their professional duty to whistleblow. However, whistleblowing is not always praiseworthy – it depends on the motive, on the alternative remedies available, and on how serious the matter is.
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As the preceding sections illustrate, whistleblowing to an external entity, such as the media or government agencies, has been a hazardous activity, both for the individual and the organization. The ambivalent attitude toward whistleblowers ensures that, even with legal protection, they may face retaliation in subtle ways: being shunned by co-workers, being closely supervised, or just feeling alienated.
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Ofgem treats all disclosures made through the whistleblowing policy in a confidential and sensitive manner. The identity of the individual making an allegation is kept confidential and will only be disclosed with the whistleblower’s consent or on directions of a Court.
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