Many believed that passage of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act in 2002 would make it easier for employees to report unethical corporate behavior. But that’s not necessarily the case. Although more than one-third of workers say they have seen unethical activities at their workplace, fewer than half are likely to “blow the whistle” on their company or their boss for these types of activities, according to a recent Spherion^® survey. If you’re faced with a whistle-blowing decision, ask yourself four important questions. 

A recent survey leaves little doubt that would-be whistle-blowers often think twice before coming forward for fear of losing their jobs or being labeled a “rat.” On the other hand, Time Magazine’s 2003 ‘Persons of the Year’ were three whistle-blowers in high-profile organizations—Enron, FBI and WorldCom—who were lauded as heroes.

Whether or not your actions might land you on the cover of Time Magazine, the decision to blow the whistle on your employer or boss is a tough one. According to Careerbuilder.com and BusinessWeek’s legal affairs experts, before you decide you should ask yourself four questions:

1. Is this the only way?
   Don’t blow the whistle unless you have already tried to correct the problem by reporting up the normal chain of command without success.
   
2. Do I have the evidence?
   Make sure your allegations are not minor complaints. Gather documentary evidence that proves your case and keep it in a safe place. Keep ample notes. And make sure that what you are witnessing is fraud—not simply incompetence or sloppy work.
   
3. Why am I doing this?
   Examine your motives. Don’t act out of frustration or because you feel underappreciated or mistreated. Do not embellish your case and do not violate any confidentiality agreements you may have signed.
   
4. Am I ready to do this?
   Think through the impact this will have on your family. Be prepared for unemployment and the possibility of being blacklisted in your profession. Last, but not least, consult a lawyer.

Tips
If you answer “Yes” to most of these questions, and you plan on moving forward, consider these tips by The Government Accountability Project:

• Before formally breaking ranks, consider any last, reasonable way to work within the system.
• Identify and copy all necessary supporting records before drawing any suspicion to your concerns.
• Engage in whistle-blowing activities on your own time and with your own resources, not your employer’s.
• Continue to keep a careful record of events as they unfold, even after you blow the whistle. Keep in mind that your employer will have access to your diary if there is a lawsuit and could potentially sue you for libel or slander.
• Seek a network of potential allies, such as elected officials, journalists and activists. The solidarity of key constituencies can be more powerful than the bureaucracy you are challenging.

Here’s hoping you never have to make a whistle-blowing decision in your lifetime. However, if you do face such a dilemma, make sure you consider all the implications. And most importantly, be true to your own moral code and values. While it may not make the outcome any easier, at least you’ll know you’ve made the best decision for you.