Whistleblowing as a Recursive Sequence of Épreuves: A Boltanskian Theorization of Speaking Up

Mahaut Fanchini & Meghan Van Portfliet (2025) Journal of Business Ethics, Open access Abstract. This paper presents a novel theoretical framework for understanding whistleblowing as a dynamic and recursive sequence of épreuves (tests), drawing on Luc Boltanski’s sociology of critique. Traditionally, whistleblowing research has focused on either the whistleblower’s experience or the organizational response, often treating these aspects in isolation. This study bridges these perspectives by co...