Tag: Whistleblowers

whistleblower

Whistleblowers: A Weapon in the Fight Against Fraud

Most business leaders, anti-fraud and compliance specialists, and HR professionals understand financial fraud is not just a concern, but a genuine threat to their bottom line. But the true scale of the problem is so vast that few may recognize just how widespread—and how damaging—fraud truly is. A recent report issued by the Association of […]

compliance

Building a Culture of Compliance: Best Practices for Protecting Whistleblowers

Whistleblower protections are crucial for maintaining ethical standards and ensuring employee compliance within organizations. Whistleblowers play a vital role in uncovering misconduct that might otherwise stay hidden, thereby safeguarding the integrity and reputation of the company. Despite the significant risks whistleblowers face, their actions are essential in promoting transparency and accountability. HR departments have a […]

Alleged Whistleblower Must Only Prove Protected Activity Was ‘Contributing Factor’

On February 8, 2024, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) found that former employees who filed a federal whistleblower retaliation claim under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) must only show the protected activity was a “contributing factor” to the employer’s adverse employment decision. Significantly, the Court found whistleblowers need not show “retaliatory intent”—in contrast […]

Whistleblower

Whistleblowers in the News, California Style

Whistleblowing has been front-page news in recent weeks. As an impeachment investigation roils the nation, we’ve heard debate about the handling of confidential complaints, speculation about the whistleblower’s identity, and discussions of the validity of the claims. What we haven’t heard, at least not yet, is a report from the whistleblower that he’s been retaliated […]

Wells Fargo scandal shows serious lack of effective leadership

by Dan Oswald President Harry S. Truman famously had a plaque on his desk that read, “The buck stops here.” It was a reminder to himself that he couldn’t pass responsibility for the way the country was governed. Ultimately, he was responsible. Responsibility comes with leadership. If you’re in a position of authority, you’re accountable […]

Understand the whistleblower (and prevent retaliation claims)

by Ken Broda-Bahm and Brad Cave With retaliation claims again topping the list of charges filed most frequently with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and whistleblower claims on the rise, employers can learn a great deal by better understanding the psychology of a whistleblower.  Retaliation is all about perception In its 2015 enforcement and […]

When Employees Blow the Whistle

by Hillary J. Collyer Whistleblowing has become a hot topic. Just a few years ago, three prominent whistleblowers were named Time magazine’s “person of the year.” Whistleblowing occurs when an employee charges that some wrongdoing or illegal conduct occurred within the company. This article addresses employers’ responsibility to protect whistleblowers from retaliation. No statute spells […]