Would You Blow the Whistle?

Whistleblowing is risky business. It can lead to scandal, humiliation and job loss.

Or you might end up like Cheryl Eckard, who received $96 million for speaking up about manufacturing deficiencies at GlaxoSmithKline in 2002.

(Or even Susan Brita, who recently exposed alleged wrongdoing by the General Services Administration.)

Whistleblowing within an organization with the hope of stopping it can be as simple as reporting misconduct to your boss or filing a lawsuit against an entire corporation.

“Deciding to blow the whistle is often one of the most significant and difficult decisions to make,” says Jordan Thomas, chair of the Whistleblower Representation Practice at Labaton Sucharow LLP.

Before you speak out, you may want to familiarize yourself with organizations and acts that protect whistleblowers.

Once violations have been confirmed, the question is: what will come of reporting them? Collecting as much legal evidence as possible before going to the SEC or other law enforcement authorities will help your case.

Reporting possible violations in a timely manner minimizes the potential of retaliation and maximizes the whistleblower’s credibility.

Despite the risks, women who have taken a stand knew it was the right thing to do. “Interestingly, many of the highest profile corporate scandals have been exposed by women — beginning with Enron and WorldCom,” says Thomas.

In 2002, whistleblowers Sherron Watkins, Cynthia Cooper and Coleen Rowley found themselves on the cover of TIME magazine as the persons of the year.

Bonus PINK Link: Want to know more about fearless women? We have it here.

and tell us – would you blow the whistle?

By S. Sam Higgins

“Sometimes the biggest act of courage is a small one.” Lauren Raffo