The ethics of good governance and whistleblowing : social and legal perspectives

Abstract

Whistle blowing is a term used for disclosure by a. person who is a member of an organization whether private or public, past or current of the illegal or unethical activity of an employer or colleague. The act, of wrondoing may also come from members of top-level management of the organization including the calling of attention of genuine abuses of power by decision-makers in business and government. Whistle blowing is an unfamiliar territory of the concept of good governance and ethics particularly in this region. While in the United States of America and the United Kingdom the extent of development in this area has reached the legislative body in terms of having legal protection for whistle blowers, the extent of knowledge and recognition within this region is still premature. New forms of governance must not only require changes in values and attitudes but must be reflected by new ideas of policies and administration. This is the time to embrace new changes with effective policies regarding ethics by not only seeking formulation but also implementation. From this premise this paper seeks to explore the issue of whistle blowing in social and legal perspectives including the aspect of holistic understanding of this important topic . This would mean the incorporation of the idea of whistle blowing in the Islamic context. Discussion would involve the significance of maintaining ethics within governmental organizations through whistle blowing policies which will not only benefit employees but the organization on a long term basis. As an important area of interest whistle blowing deserves attention not only from private organizations but also from public bodies alike.