ABSTRACT
In recent years ethical issues in politics and government have received unprecedented attention. A series of scandals involving manipulation of gasoline supplies, illegal political contributions and surveillance, excessive executive perquisites, and pay-offs, bribes and kickbacks have been reported in the national media. This chapter explores the importance of dissent in bureaucracies in a democratic society. It also explores the development and institutionalization of whistle-blowing in recent years. It examines the relationship between the individual and the organization. The chapter considers long-range and short-run reforms to promote integrity in government and reduce the need to blow the whistle. whistle-blowing began to be institutionalized as public interest groups formed, professional associations sponsored symposia, universities encouraged research, unions protected members, national conferences convened, and Congress held hearings and passed laws. Indeed, the act of whistle-blowing is likely to be conservative because it seeks to restore, not change, a pre-existing condition.
