A qualitative multiple case study: Whistleblowers retaliation

The purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore retaliation in government and organizations operating under government guidelines after blowing the whistle on illegal or unethical acts in the organization. Retaliatory claims have risen in recent years and organizations continue to repeat the lack of support and protection for employees from retaliation after blowing the whistle. The open-ended interviews were conducted with 13 whistleblowers from organizations throughout the United States. Data analysis consisted of transcribing the interviews and analyzing 52 pages of transcription using NVivo 10RTM software. The use of word count and clouding resulted in the creation and emergence of the common words and phrases. Content analysis was the tool that was used until all the themes and subthemes were formed. The findings revealed 9 qualifying themes resulting in the continuation of retaliation in the workplace after employees blew the whistle. Results of the study include the integration and practice of corporate codes of conduct (CSR). Leaders and supervisors should practice and enforce workplace ethics. The recommendation of the study gave organizations insights to the strengthening and incorporating workplace policies.