Whistleblowing Persistence: A struggle for recognition

Why and how do whistleblowers persist? This paper presents a novel approach that draws on Axel Honneth’s ideas of esteem recognition in considering whistleblowing experiences. We situate our analysis in the context of ethical resistance in organizations, focusing specifically on interactions between the whistleblower and powerful others to whom the disclosure is addressed. In so doing we present whistleblowing as a protracted process involving an intersubjective struggle for recognition. The struggle takes place between the whistleblower and the authoritative others from whom she seeks recognition. Our arguments are illustrated with the case of Jane Doe, a financial sector whistleblower whose disclosures contributed to the demise of one of the U.S.’s largest mortgage lending institutions in the 2008 crisis. We conclude by highlighting the practical potential of our approach for understanding whistleblowing and whistleblower protections.

This is one of a series of seminars in the Whitaker Ideas Forum. Kate & Meghan will be representing the Work, Organizations and Society Cluster.

The Whitaker Ideas Forum is a weekly seminar, running Wednesday’s throughout the semester from 1:00pm-2:00pm in CA110. It provides the opportunity for members of the Institute to showcase their research. The result are presentations that highlight the diversity of the research being undertaken, while allowing for an opportunity to engage in discussions and, sometimes, collaboration with attendees. Below, you will find a list of this semester’s seminars, please click the title for more information on that seminar.