Falsifying of documents is an example of unethical behavior in businesses that employees engage themselves in and involves altering or modifying business records which defraud businesses and customers. It is certainly easier for employees to engage in such malpractices and convince them it is not a big deal. Owing to the fact that this unethical behavior costs employees and customer’s money, it should not be avoided but necessary actions should be taken to prevent it (Joshi, 2008). One’s moral standards should not be dragged down by other actions of failing to follow ethical behaviors, rather one should honor himself/ herself and be honest. It is quite clear that practicing honesty among employees is likely to halt the act of falsifying the documents.
Whistleblowers in an organization come forward publicly when they fail to receive an acceptable reply. They are often ostracized and are faced with the dilemma of whether to protect their employees or step forward when they notice inappropriate behavior going on among employees. One of the risks involved in whistleblowing is a breakdown of trust between employees and managers. Due to this, challenges on effective working relationships become rampant which creates a hostile environment in the workplace. Whistleblowers are likely to experience hostility and resentment from superiors and peers which distracts employees from completing their assigned tasks effectively (Chokprajakchat, 2017).
Breaking of a chain of command in a workplace is yet another risk likely to occur due to whistleblowing. This risk makes employees neglect the commands from their supervisors. Some whistleblowers bypass the chain of command as they are frightened of repercussions attributed to going against the company. Whistleblowing in an organization can bring about the market or legal related consequences. If the leaders in an organization are observed to endorse or participate in unethical and illegal activities, they are likely to face a fallout. Those employees that do not take part in unethical practices, for instance, falsifying documents, are likely to be affected if at all the company faces public backlash.
References
Chokprajakchat, S. (2017). Whistleblowing in Thailand: Anti-Corruption Policy in Thailand and a Whistleblower Protection Measure. Whistleblowing in the World, 37-58. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-48481-5_4
Joshi, J. (2008). Chapter-25 Fraud and Misconduct in Clinical Research. Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, 423-436. doi:10.5005/jp/books/10282_25