Overview/Description Target Audience Expected Duration Lesson Objectives Course Number Overview/Description
Whistleblowing and ethics in the workplace have been in the headlines over the past few years because high-profile employees have blown the whistle on large public companies, such as Enron and WorldCom. However, integrity and ethics in the workplace are not just for large, high-profile companies. Almost every employer is subject to state or federal laws and regulations, and if the employer does not promote an ethical culture, individual employees with integrity may choose to blow the whistle on their employer's wrongdoing. Whistleblowing isn't just for accountants or lawyers who uncover widespread evidence of fraud. It's also for average, everyday employees who discover illegal or unethical behavior in the workplace, and decide to report it. This course discusses various aspects of corporate ethics, including fraud and abuse associated with financial, safety, health, environmental, and other workplace issues, and the regulatory agencies, laws, and regulations that govern them. The course also discusses how both employers and employees can improve integrity and promote an ethical workplace culture. For employees, it is important to understand how to blow the whistle objectively, and also to understand the general protections afforded to whistleblowers by law, which protect them from retaliation by their employers. For employers, this means implementing policies and practices that promote openness and transparency in the workplace, encouraging employees to report their concerns internally, and rewarding employees and managers for strict compliance with laws and regulations. This course was developed with subject matter support provided by Sheehan Phinney Bass & Green PA. Please note, however, that the course materials and content are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Nothing herein, or in the course materials, shall be construed as professional advice as to any particular situation or constitute a legal opinion with respect to compliance with any federal, state, or local laws. Transmission of the information is not intended to create, and receipt does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. Readers should not act upon this information without seeking professional counsel. The information contained herein is provided only as general information that may or may not reflect the most current legal developments. This information is not provided in the course of an attorney-client relationship and is not intended to constitute legal advice or to substitute for obtaining legal advice from an attorney licensed in your state.