It would be ideal if all whistleblowers were to disclose their identity before making their disclosures. However it is a matter of historical record, common knowledge and experience that most whistleblowers prefer to report anonymously as they are more often than not a part of the system against which they are reporting. No matter how much a written policy assures ‘protection’ so long as it requires revelation of identity prior to the disclosure it ends up deterring rather than reassuring and encouraging whistleblowers to speak up.
Focus on the message not the messenger.
As responsible entities should we not be more concerned about the content of the message instead of the identity of the messenger? If we receive an anonymous report with verifiable and actionable facts indicating corruption or fraud then is it in organizational interest to junk it because it is anonymous or to verify the facts stated therein to prima facie ascertain whether everything is in order or not? If it is the latter then why should there be any ‘fear’ of anonymous reporting?
Pandora's Box Syndrome.
Most organization’s discourage anonymous reporting because it is commonly and erroneously assumed that if anonymous reporting is permitted then it would open a pandora’s box resulting in a flood of frivolous reporting which would be difficult to contain. Thus the case against anonymous reporting essentially stems from the fear of managing and processing the information so received and not on account of anything against receiving the information per se.
Strengthen internal systems instead of shying away.
We believe that it is time to institutionalize and strengthen the information receipt and processing systems within organizations rather than shying away from receiving anonymous reports. The possibility of receiving a flood of information and its processing thereafter ought not to deter any organization from being receptive. This concern must give way to confidence in the ability to sift through information and identify what is meaningful. More so because the possibility of receiving an anonymous report containing vital information safeguarding organizational interests can never be ruled out.
Be the first to know. Timely intelligence is the best defence.
There is another aspect to this which merits consideration. Given the modes of communication and different forums available today one cannot possibly prevent or prohibit anyone from reaching out and expressing concerns externally or anonymously. The CWI Portal helps organizations receive all the information internally using a secure web based system which not only assures confidentiality but also enables the designated authority therein to have multiple interactions with the whistleblower. This way one can seek additional details to develop the raw information into a more meaningful form if so necessary and thereafter decide how to process the same. In effect the organization receives its own information first in point of time and is free to decide how to process it as per its policies without any statutory compulsions.
It is just that one piece of information which can make all the difference and the possibility of receiving it anonymously can never be ruled out.
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