The Mediating Effect of Organization Type on Public Service Motivation and Intention to Whistleblow

• In Event: Related Parties and External Financing, NFP Whistleblowing, & Effectiveness of Online Adaptive Learning Technologies

Abstract

Abstract: This study contributes to the body of research exploring the influence public service motivation (PSM) has on the intent to whistleblow. Previous research on PSM and whistleblowing have focused only on federal employees. This study adds to this stream of research and explores the relationship between PSM and whistleblowing, as well as the mediating effect of organization type (nonprofit and for-profit) on whistleblowing intent. This study surveys 153 employees in nonprofit and for-profit organizations, and the results indicate that nonprofit employees have higher public service motivation, public service motivation has a significant positive influence on intent to whistleblow, and organization type mediates the relationship between public service motivation and intent to whistleblow. The implications of these findings for practice and research are discussed.

Key Words: Employee whistleblowing, reporting intentions, fraud, public service motivation, nonprofit, for-profit, organization type

Authors

• Andrea Scheetz, Radford University

• Tonya Smalls, Clark Atlanta University

• Joseph M Wall, Marquette University

• Aaron Wilson, Ohio University