Becoming a whistleblower and the role of a leader: desires and barriers

Purpose This study aims to explore how effective whistleblowing systems are in organizations. The authors focus on the dilemmas employees face when reporting unethical behavior and the factors that influence their decision to report. Design/methodology/approach This research was conducted in several Islamic financial institutions (IFIs) in Indonesia by taking samples of micro-scale IFIs (BMT) and macro-scale ones (BPRS and Commercial Banks). Interviews were conducted with leaders and employees at IFI regarding the whistleblowing system, employees’ interest in becoming a whistleblower and support from leaders in implementing the whistleblowing system. Findings The findings say that the factors employees do whistleblowing are commitment to the organization, level of religiosity, regulation, organizational support and social identity. The inhibiting factors for employees to do whistleblowing are commitment to co-workers, personal costs and employees who feel it is inappropriate to do whistleblowing. In addition, the authors found that leaders did not play much of a role in implementing the whistleblowing system at IFI, even though employees really hoped that leaders would be present in enforcing the whistleblowing system in the company. Practical implications Organizations can improve the effectiveness of their whistleblowing systems by addressing the psychological and social barriers faced by potential whistleblowers. Implementing clear procedures, providing incentives and ensuring protection against retaliation are crucial steps. Leadership plays a pivotal role in fostering a culture of transparency and trust, which is essential for encouraging ethical behavior and reporting. Social implications Effective whistleblowing systems can lead to a reduction in corporate misconduct, benefiting not only the organizations but also employees and society at large. By promoting ethical behavior and accountability, these systems contribute to a more just and fair business environment, reducing the social costs associated with corporate fraud and unethical practices. Originality/value This research provides a comprehensive analysis of the whistleblowing phenomenon, combining insights from various disciplines to offer a holistic understanding of the challenges and enablers of effective whistleblowing systems. It emphasizes the importance of protective measures and trust in leadership, contributing to the limited literature on practical strategies for implementing and sustaining whistleblowing systems.