Whistleblowing dictionary
Your comprehensive resource for understanding key terms related to whistleblowing, employee relations, and workplace ethics. Learn and discover the most important terms and their usage in workplace environments.
B
Bossing is a form of workplace bullying where a superior or manager abuses their power to intimidate, harass, or undermine subordinates. It often involves persistent and unfair treatment that negatively impacts the victim’s well-being and job performance.
Bribery is the act of offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting something of value to influence the actions of an official or other person in a position of authority. It is considered a form of corruption and is illegal in many jurisdictions.
Bullying is the repeated aggressive behavior intended to harm or intimidate someone perceived as vulnerable. It can occur in various forms, including physical, verbal, or cyber interactions.
C
Corporate sustainability is a business strategy focused on balancing economic, social, and environmental goals to achieve responsible and long-term growth.
Corruption refers to the abuse of entrusted power for private gain, often involving bribery, fraud, or embezzlement. It undermines trust, hampers economic development, and erodes the rule of law.
D
DEI stands for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, which are principles aimed at promoting representation and fair treatment of all individuals in various environments. These principles focus on creating a culture where diverse perspectives are valued, and everyone has equal access to opportunities.
Discrimination in workplaces and schools is the unfair treatment of individuals based on characteristics like race, gender, or religion, affecting opportunities, performance, and inclusion.
E
ESG stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance, which are criteria used to evaluate a company's ethical impact and sustainability practices. It is often used by investors to assess potential risks and opportunities related to a company's operations and policies.
The EU Whistleblower Directive is an EU law that protects individuals reporting legal violations within organizations, requiring safe reporting channels and anti-retaliation measures across member states.
F
Fraud is the intentional deception or misrepresentation made for personal gain or to damage another individual. It often involves false statements, misrepresentation, or deceitful conduct to secure an unfair or unlawful advantage.
G
Being ganged up on at work occurs when multiple coworkers or managers collectively target an individual in a hostile way, often contributing to a toxic workplace atmosphere.
GRC stands for Governance, Risk, and Compliance, which refers to a framework for managing an organization's overall governance, risk management, and compliance with regulations.
H
Harassment refers to unwanted and aggressive behavior, often repeated, that targets an individual or group, causing distress or harm. It can occur in various forms, including verbal, physical, or online, and is often motivated by discrimination or power dynamics.
I
Term description: ISO 37002 is an international standard that provides guidance on creating whistleblowing management systems to ensure ethical reporting, confidentiality, and whistleblower protection.
M
Misconduct refers to inappropriate or unethical behavior by an individual, often violating rules or standards of conduct. It can occur in various settings, such as workplaces, schools, or professional environments.
Mobbing refers to a form of bullying or harassment where a group targets an individual, often in a workplace or social setting, to isolate, intimidate, or undermine them. It can lead to severe emotional distress and impact the victim's mental health and professional life.
P
Psychological safety refers to an environment where individuals feel comfortable expressing themselves without fear of negative consequences. It fosters open communication, risk-taking, and innovation within teams or organizations.
S
SOC 2 is a compliance framework that evaluates how organizations manage customer data based on five trust service principles: security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy. It ensures robust data management and protection practices.
V
A violation refers to the act of breaking or disregarding a rule, law, or agreement. It often results in penalties or legal consequences.
W
Wrongdoing refers to behavior or actions that are illegal, unethical, or morally incorrect. It encompasses a range of activities from minor infractions to serious crimes.