Whistleblowers are looked upon in two general ways: as threats by those who are doing wrong, and as gallant heroes by those who aim to right the wrongs in life. One of the best examples of this is Edward Snowden who now lives somewhere in Russia because of the whistleblowing he did against the NSA.
Now, if you're an employer, you would want such heroes to keep you informed of the wrongdoings below your rank. However, if you are doing something nasty on the sides, you wouldn't want him in your company, would you?
So it depends on your situation, as to whether you are an asset to the company or a liability. This is why a whistleblowing policy in needed in your organization. It is a must to have the policy regulated or to encouraged whatever the intention may be so as to avoid confusion and anarchy in the company.
If you have no policy for or against it, then it will be haywire all around with people squealing against one another for every infraction committed within the company.
Whatever your take is on whistleblowing and whistleblowers , you must look at it objectively, for the sake of your organization. Remember, Snowden's example is a mighty one. One or maybe a couple of your employees may be encouraged in following his example.
So, early on, establish a policy for or against whistle blowing in your organization. Impress upon your employees what your basic approach to whistle blowing is, the pros and cons, and then craft up some necessary details and penalties or rewards for any whistleblowing done.
Whistleblowing can be good and it can be bad as well. It is to be taken into great consideration whether it for the betterment of the company or it can be detrimental as well.
