What To Do When Your Business Is Breaking The Rules...

We don’t live in a perfect world. All around us people are cutting corners and taking shortcuts in an effort to make life easier for themselves. It seems to be human nature these days to take the “easy road”. You may have done it yourself from time to time. And while most of us wouldn’t like our “mistakes” pointed out to us, when is it right to point out the mistakes of others? For that matter, when is the right time to point out the mistakes of the company for which you are working?

I wish there was a clear cut answer to this, but there isn’t! When is reporting something legitimate whistle blowing? And when is it being a “sneak” and just “telling tales out of school?” You need to decide for yourself as to whether, the secret actions of the company for which you work are hurting others or breaking the law in any way. If so, you have an obligation and yes, a duty to report it.

Most companies today, have a clear cut whistleblowing policy. There is usually a well defined system of reporting malpractices that offer the whistleblower protection. If your business has a whistle blowing policy in place, follow it down to the last detail. There are two reasons for this.

First, part of the company’s defense will be that you didn’t follow their policy. That could determine effect the integrity of the case. Their legal team will be looking for mistakes that you have made. And if you made mistakes, it gives them leverage with which to defend themselves.

Second, it is important that you follow their policy because things will get tough. One issue that all whistleblowers face is the fact that they will pay a price for THEIR action. The whistleblower often faces pressure from both coworkers and management. Following the company policy (assuming they have one!) will allow you to keep your focus and make you less likely to succumb to manipulation.

By following the company policy you are protecting your self from any allegations that you are lying or acted out of personal prejudice because the matter will be investigated before action is taken.

If your company does not have a clearly defined whistle blowing policy, and there is something that you need to report, subtly gather as much information about the activity as you can. Make sure that what you are going to say is based on fact and is not influenced by and personal biases. Once you are sure of yourself and your facts, take up the matter with the top management.

If it is the top management itself that is indulging in the misdeeds, seek legal representation. It will not only make a difference to you but also to many potential victims in the future.