ABSTRACT

The objective of this article is to present a study of two observers turning into whistleblowers through stages of crime signal detection, registration, interpretation, reception, and knowledge. The study applies signal detection theory emphasizing signal alertness, signal reflection, pattern recognition, and personal knowledge. The research method applied is personal interviews with the whistleblowers who noticed deviant behavior, one of which blew the whistle on corruption that later led to the incarceration of several corporate executives. Results indicate that the whistleblowers became more certain of their information as they could discuss their observations with others. An important human factor in whistleblowing is thus the ability to discuss initial observations with people that one can trust, which can lead to documented allegations against suspected individuals. The case studies illustrate experience from troublesome whistleblowing on top executives, where the second whistleblower was less successful.

摘要

本文的目的是介绍对两名观察者通过犯罪信号检测、登记、解释、接收和知识阶段变成举报人的研究。该研究应用信号检测理论，强调信号警觉性、信号反射、模式识别和个人知识。所采用的研究方法是对注意到异常行为的举报人进行个人访谈，其中之一揭露了后来导致几名公司高管入狱的腐败行为。结果表明，举报人变得更加确定他们的信息，因为他们可以与他人讨论他们的观察结果。因此，举报中一个重要的人为因素是与可以信任的人讨论初步观察结果的能力，这可能导致对嫌疑人的记录指控。案例研究说明了对高层管理人员进行麻烦举报的经验，其中第二个举报人不太成功。