The welfare whistleblower: In praise of troublesome people

Abstract

This paper examines the plight of welfare professionals who become embroiled in controversy as a result of making public interest disclosures (whistleblowing). The paper will attempt to show that workplaces can rapidly degenerate into industrial nightmares for that small group who choose ethics over expediency. Whistleblowing is seen as a dangerous but absolutely vital activity. The paper speculates as to why too few welfare professionals use this dissenting strategy.