Whistleblowing as a crucial practice for responsible management

Notwithstanding the increasing interest in responsible management research, education and practice, severe acts of irresponsibility happen every day in many business organizations. How can those irresponsible behaviors be detected and prevented? In this conceptual chapter, we explore the similarities and possible synergies between responsible management and whistleblowing. In particular, we show that the practice of whistleblowing is consistent with responsible management principles because it is crucial for detecting and preventing irresponsible management. As a consequence, responsible managers (notably, all managers and not only those holding sustainability or ethics-related roles) can act as both whistleblowers and their supporters. Vice versa, whistleblowing could trigger more responsible management and organizations.