Is It Time For Whistleblower Protection in Associations?

More and more associations in the U.S. are following the lead of the Sarbanes-Oxley requirements imposed on publicly-traded companies by implementing a policy protecting whistleblowers. 

The underlying purpose of whistleblower protection provisions (whether through imposed laws or voluntary policies), as it relates to associations, would be to allow employees  to report to someone in authority illegal or unethical actions, or contraventions of significant organizational policies.

As demands for openness and transparency increase, shining a light and bringing scrutiny to bear as a result of a whistleblower's report should be considered.

Would Canadians and the federal government have heard about the goings on in the federal Privacy Commissioner's office if not for whistleblower assurances and protection?  Likely not!  While this is not an association example, similar such abuses do occur in associations.

One significant challenge in associations would be to craft a policy that prevents spurious accusations and charges by disgruntled employees.

In addition, some of the policies that I have seen are unworkable because they are unrealistically bare-bones and "apple pie-ish".  A policy that simply says whistleblowers will not be fired, with not much more substance, will never work...for the whistleblower or the organization.

A good policy will be clear about what activities are covered by whistleblower protection policies, what will happen to claimants who abuse the policy with untruthful or irrelevant complaints, and how the process will work.

I have to say that I find myself leaning towards whistleblower protection in associations.  That being said, unless the policy was workable and addressed possible abuses, it would be better to not have a policy.

Next issue I will attempt to include a sample policy or two in the tools area of the e-zine.  In the meantime, if you have any thoughts on this topic, I'd love to hear from you!

Wayne Amundson is president of Association Xpertise Inc., a consulting firm serving associations and non-profits. He is also a writer and speaker on association and non-profit management and governance, and is editor of The Canadian Association e-zine and co-author of the new “Primer for Directors of Not-for-Profit Corporations” published by the Industry Canada and three non-profit umbrella groups in Canada. 
Phone: 403-374-1822 E-mail: admin@axi.ca  Website: www.axi.ca