What does whistle-blowing refer to?

Whistle-blowing refers specifically to the act of attracting attention to unethical or illegal acts committed by a company or organization. This can involve reporting misconduct such as fraud, corruption, safety violations, or any actions that are against the law or ethical standards. Individuals who blow the whistle typically do so with the intention of fostering accountability and transparency, often at great personal risk, as they may face backlash from their employer or peers.

The focus is on serious issues that have significant implications for public interest, company integrity, or legal compliance, rather than minor infractions or non-substantive workplace matters. This distinguishes whistle-blowing from activities like reporting workplace gossip or minor policy violations, which do not carry the same weight in terms of ethical and legal concerns.