DETERMINANTS OF INDIVIDUAL TENDENCIES IN WHISTLEBLOWING: A GLOBAL SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

This study aims to systematically synthesize global evidence on the determinants influencing individuals’ tendencies to engage in whistleblowing within the public sector, where ethical integrity is vital for institutional accountability. Using a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) guided by the PRISMA framework, 257 studies were identified from Scopus and Google Scholar, with 75 articles meeting the eligibility criteria for in-depth thematic analysis. The analysis reveals five major determinant categories: (1) the nature of violations and reporting context, (2) social, cultural, and relational contexts, (3) cognitive models and behavioral theories, (4) leadership and organizational climate, and (5) personal and psychological factors. Findings indicate that whistleblowing intention is shaped by the interaction of individual moral cognition, organizational environment, and socio-cultural structures. While legal protection and moral values are necessary, they are insufficient without supportive leadership, psychological safety, and credible reporting systems. The study concludes that promoting whistleblowing requires an integrated approach that combines institutional safeguards, ethical leadership, and a culture of trust. Future research should explore how these multi-level determinants interact across diverse cultural and institutional contexts to transform moral intention into actual reporting behavior.