What action is characterized as whistleblowing?

Whistleblowing is characterized by the act of reporting misconduct, illegal activities, or violations of laws or regulations within an organization, usually to a person or entity that has the power to take corrective action. Reporting financial discrepancies falls squarely into this definition, as it involves bringing attention to potentially fraudulent or improper financial practices that could harm stakeholders or violate laws. This type of reporting typically aims to protect the public interest, making it a clear example of whistleblowing.

While filing a lawsuit against an employer can sometimes involve reporting misconduct, it is generally a legal action taken after an issue arises and is not defined as whistleblowing in itself. Unionizing at the workplace focuses more on collective bargaining power and employee rights rather than reporting wrongdoing. Making a complaint about workplace safety may align with whistleblowing, but it is specific to safety issues and does not encompass the broader category of reporting financial or legal violations.