Cross cultural understanding of whistleblowing

Whistleblowing is a critical mechanism for ensuring ethical conduct and organizational accountability, yet its interpretation and acceptance vary significantly across cultural contexts. This project aims to explore how cultural norms, values, and regulatory environments shape perceptions of whistleblowing, including whether it is viewed as an act of loyalty, betrayal, or civic duty. By conducting comparative analyses across different regions, we will examine the psychological, ethical, and structural factors that influence individuals’ willingness to report wrongdoing. The findings will provide actionable insights for multinational organizations to design culturally sensitive whistleblowing mechanisms that foster trust, protect employees, and enhance global compliance programs. Ultimately, this research will contribute to a deeper understanding of how cultural diversity impacts ethical voice in organizations, advancing both theory and practice in business ethics.