Whistleblower report/

Essay by zeyneddineUniversity, Bachelor'sA+, November 2003

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http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/3188024.stm

The article selected from BBC News online highlights the issue of Organizational Social Responsibility. Gary Brown of Abbey National acted as a whistleblower - someone within the organization who exposes the wrongdoings of others in order to preserve high ethical standards.

Undoubtedly, Gary Brown's boss at Abbey National was working for self-interest in awarding contracts to a firm and paying them well over the norm in spite of their poor performance. Furthermore, the contracted firm managed to receive a 100% pay increase even though their work was unsatisfactory.

Gary Brown was cautious in his approach. Instead of going public first, he compiled a report about the company detailing their performance, poor ideas and high fees. He then presented his report to the senior manager who took some minor action. However, Gary's own boss refused to help.

Gary then had no choice but to go public with his report which was further compiled into a dossier.

As a result of his efforts, the case went to court and the findings resulted in the thief being sent to prison. For his part in bringing forth the misdoings in his organization, the judge gave Gary a commendation. Abbey National awarded him ₤25000 and invited him to rejoin the company.

Gary Brown comments that he felt strangely good about the case: "It wasn't negative it was morally uplifting." He also says, "Generally, it is more important for culture to change. Bad things won't happen, we're getting away from the 'grassing' or 'telling tales' culture. We need to move UK culture to the point where the public will speak out."

This article highlights the importance of whistleblowers in organizations who act instinctively and morally to save an organization for a few bad seeds who take actions based on self-interest. Gary Brown also emphasizes the...