Whistleblowing and interpretation, addressing organizational challenges: a conceptual reflection from Nigeria
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Abstract
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Purpose – This study aims to explore the effect of whistleblowing and interpretation among practitioners
in the Nigerian economy. The research puts a premium on understanding the relevance and critical
issues in its practices and developing an improved model for the effective practice of whistleblowing and
interpretation in Nigeria.
Design/methodology/approach – This study adopted a conceptual approach, relying on extant
literature to understand the management of whistleblowing incidents and identify the managers’ and
other stakeholders’ responsibility in the whistleblowing process. It applied systems dynamics conceptual
modelling and presented an improvement approach to addressing the complexities associated with
whistleblowing and interpretation among Nigerian organizations.
Findings – This study contributed to the extant literature by developing a model for proper management
of whistleblowing in the Nigerian context and enhancing the robust practice of whistleblowing and
interpretation in Nigeria. The findings highlighted critical factors such as managers’ skills development,
legal system support, institutional stakeholders’ function and ethical balance as key factors to effective
whistleblowing management and interpretation. This implies that the act of identifying and developing
responses to an emerging case of whistleblowing requires a process of developing underpinning
assumptions, engagement and consideration of stakeholders’ interests while driving the sustenance of
organizational focus.
Originality/value – This study emphasized the departure from absolute best practice to developing
idea approaches that reflect stakeholders’ interests and the context of whistleblowing and
interpretation. While the study acknowledges limitations in the sole focus on the Nigerian private
sector and the Nigerian economic background, it recommends further exploration of whistleblowing
and its interpretation on a comparative approach, to improving the current understanding of the
topic.
Keywords
H Social Sciences (General), HF Commerce