What defines Internal Whistleblowing?

Internal whistleblowing is defined by the act of conveying information within an organization, typically regarding unethical or illegal practices, despite pressures or fears of retaliation to remain silent. This form of whistleblowing focuses on reporting misconduct or wrongdoing to persons within the organization, such as supervisors or internal compliance departments, rather than going public or seeking external avenues. The emphasis on "internal" indicates that the whistleblower chooses to address the issue through the organization's established channels.

The notion of facing pressures to stay silent is critical to the definition, as whistleblowers often confront significant risks, including job loss, harassment, or ostracism from colleagues. By acting to expose the wrongdoing internally, they aim to rectify the issues while minimizing damage to the organization and potentially triggering corrective actions.

Other options do not capture the essence of internal whistleblowing. The first option suggests that there might be an absence of approval needed, which doesn't specifically relate to the act of reporting unethical behavior. The second option talks about sharing information outside the organization, clearly defining external rather than internal whistleblowing. The last choice focuses on informing someone higher up in authority, which is a narrow aspect of internal communication and does not encompass the broader concept of whistleblowing as a response to wrongdoing within the