Whistleblowing Versus Confidentiality: Where is the Line?
Image by: Maksym Kaharlytskyi@qwitka
For the last several years, the news has been full of whistleblower stories.
Insiders from companies, administrations, the armed forces and political and social organizations have gone public with misdeeds — actions either illegal, immoral, harmful or fraudulent. In most cases, we consider the individuals to be warriors and cheer them on.
On the other hand, we know that confidentiality is essential. Depending on the nature of the organization, people must protect confidential information about customers, employees, finances, medical histories, trade secrets, etc. Confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements are basic to effective practices.
Where is the line?
Each time I read the story of a whistleblower, I can’t help wondering, “What would I do in this situation?”
There are clear-cut situations in which people are in danger, but most have multiple shades of gray. Blowing the whistle may keep some from harm but put others squarely in its path. In other instances, going public may hurt the profits of one person or organization but add to those of another. The case of Julian Assange may be seen from more than one perspective.
The question of where your line lies is highly personal. Your own definition of integrity is a complex combination of morality, ethics, honesty, loyalty and fairness resulting from your upbringing, core values and experience. Most of my coaching clients list integrity as one of their core values, and each has shared their own description of exactly what that means to them. I feel fortunate to have learned and grown from these conversations, as they have sparked introspective thoughts on my meaning of integrity.
So, where is the line?
An excellent question to which I do not have a finite answer. I would encourage you to understand your core values and to continue exploring and refining your personal definition of integrity.
“Integrity without knowledge is weak and useless. Knowledge without integrity is dangerous and dreadful.” - Samuel Johnson
~ Tracey
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Fundamental of Week #16: RESPECT CONFIDENTIALITY
Honor the trust others give us. Be rigorous about safeguarding confidential information and be clear to other people about what should be kept in confidence.
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