What is one of the key functions of a whistleblower?

One of the key functions of a whistleblower is to expose unethical practices within an organization. Whistleblowers are individuals who report misconduct, illegal activities, or violations of regulations within their organization. Their role is crucial in maintaining ethical standards and accountability, as they can bring attention to issues such as fraud, discrimination, harassment, safety violations, or environmental harm. By doing so, they help to protect not only the integrity of the organization but also the welfare of employees and stakeholders.

Promoting company propaganda does not align with the whistleblower's mission, as it involves supporting potentially misleading or unethical narratives rather than exposing wrongdoing. Maintaining confidentiality might sometimes be a part of the whistleblower's activities, especially in protecting their identity, but the essence of whistleblowing is the act of raising concerns publicly or to authorities, which often involves going against the code of silence in the organization. Discouraging employee communication contradicts the whistleblower's purpose, as they typically aim to empower colleagues to speak up about issues rather than silence them. Thus, exposing unethical practices is not just a function; it is at the heart of a whistleblower's purpose.