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Evidence on the Use and Efficacy of Internal Whistleblowing Systems

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  • STEPHEN R. STUBBEN
  • KYLE T. WELCH

Abstract

Using a proprietary data set from a provider of internal whistleblowing (WB) systems, we analyze nearly two million internal WB reports submitted to over 1,000 publicly traded U.S. firms. We provide descriptive statistics, over time and across report types, on the amount and summary details of information provided, how extensively management reviews reports, the amount of time until reviews were completed, and the outcome of these reviews. Further, we examine the characteristics of firms with more actively used systems (i.e., a higher volume of reports, more information provided in reports, and reports that are more frequently reviewed by management). Finally, we show that internal WB report volume is associated with fewer and lower amounts of government fines and material lawsuits.

Suggested Citation

  • Stephen R. Stubben & Kyle T. Welch, 2020. "Evidence on the Use and Efficacy of Internal Whistleblowing Systems," Journal of Accounting Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 58(2), pages 473-518, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:joares:v:58:y:2020:i:2:p:473-518
    DOI: 10.1111/1475-679X.12303
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Clara Xiaoling Chen & Jennifer E. Nichol & Flora H. Zhou, 2017. "The Effect of Incentive Framing and Descriptive Norms on Internal Whistleblowing," Contemporary Accounting Research, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 34(4), pages 1757-1778, December.
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    6. Andrew C. Call & Gerald S. Martin & Nathan Y. Sharp & Jaron H. Wilde, 2018. "Whistleblowers and Outcomes of Financial Misrepresentation Enforcement Actions," Journal of Accounting Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 56(1), pages 123-171, March.
    7. Kim, Irene & Skinner, Douglas J., 2012. "Measuring securities litigation risk," Journal of Accounting and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 53(1), pages 290-310.
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    Cited by:

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    3. Lin, Xiaowei & Li, Ao & Xu, Yonghao & Ding, Zijun, 2023. "Does internal whistleblowing build more socially responsible firms？," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 86(C), pages 197-214.
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    6. Clark, Daniel R., 2023. "Embracing whistleblowing for enhanced firm self-regulation," Business Horizons, Elsevier, vol. 66(6), pages 817-833.
    7. Clark, Daniel R. & Skousen, Bradley R., 2023. "Whistleblowing in entrepreneurial ventures," Journal of Business Venturing Insights, Elsevier, vol. 19(C).
    8. Shiu-Yik Au & Ming Dong & Andréanne Tremblay, 2024. "How Much Does Workplace Sexual Harassment Hurt Firm Value?," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 190(4), pages 861-883, April.
    9. Lan, Fuyin & Chen, Yu & Ding, Zijun & Xu, Yonghao, 2024. "Does internal whistleblowing enhance firm innovation?," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 93(C).
    10. Godsell, David & Huang, Kelly & Lao, Brent, 2023. "Managers’ rank & file employee coordination costs and real activities manipulation," Accounting, Organizations and Society, Elsevier, vol. 107(C).
    11. Kate Kenny & Marianna Fotaki, 2023. "The Costs and Labour of Whistleblowing: Bodily Vulnerability and Post-disclosure Survival," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 182(2), pages 341-364, January.
    12. Eugene Soltes, 2020. "Paper Versus Practice: A Field Investigation of Integrity Hotlines," Journal of Accounting Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 58(2), pages 429-472, May.
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