"From Library Journal"Devine and Maassarani present a handy guide (written in cooperation with the Government Accountability Project, for which Devine is legal director and Maassarani former litigator) full of practical considerations and suggestions as well as examples of whistle-blowers' experiences. The admirably pragmatic chapters cover such topics as how to decide whether the wrongdoing witnessed is worth reporting, the tactics used by corporations and others to intimidate and marginalize whistle-blowers, how to create appropriate support networks, and the best ways to back up one's whistle-blowing (and to whom one should blow the whistle). The book concludes with a meaty "Toolkit" that offers tips on filing an official Sarbanes-Oxley complaint, filing Freedom of Information Act requests, and using the appropriate federal statutes. VERDICT This is an important (and cost-effective) book for libraries to own; it well covers a subject that, understandably, potential whistle-blowers may not want to look up on the Internet, particularly on their work computers. Managers might also do well to familiarize themselves with this book, as the authors suggest that most whistle-blowers would prefer to work through official and company channels to resolve their issues (for both their peace of mind and the good of the organization). --Sarah Statz Cords
From Erin Brockovich to Enron, whistleblowers who “challenge abuses of power that betray the public trust” have proven to be an unfortunate necessity in modern business culture. Their efforts to report crimes, fraud, and dangers to public health and safety have saved millions of lives and billions of dollars of shareholder value – and had we heeded the warnings of whistleblowers, perhaps disasters such as the Bernie Madoff scandal and the Lehman Brothers meltdown could have been averted.
Recent federal legislation in finance and health reform have cemented legal protections and mechanisms for whistleblowing. This book provides a thorough guide and history to the whistleblower's legal rights. The ultimate survival guide, it provides advice on getting help and finding allies, warns that retaliation is often the reward for "committing the truth" and shows how to weather the storm. With extensive legal texts, sample letters, resources, and information on upcoming whistleblower reforms, this is the ultimate source on the subject.