As described in this chapter, the False Claims Act provides a financial incentive to employees for reporting instances of fraud to the federal government. What do you think of the idea of rewarding people for whistle-blowing? Should the primary motivation be the desire to “do the right thing” rather than seek financial reward?
The chapter cites research that the second most common form of experience retaliation is “Other employees intentionally ignored them or began treating them differently” (p. 16). Can you imagine instances when you might intentionally ignore or otherwise respond differently to a whistle-blower in your department?
Could you imagine aspiring to become an ethics officer? What type of career track or training do you think would be necessary to become an ethics officer?
Suppose that after you have been working for a company for some time, an “ethics assist” line is created. What is your first reaction upon hearing the news? Do you have any suspicions or concerns? What additional actions could management take that would enhance employee receptiveness to an ethics assist line?
