MACMILLAN Whistleblowing and the Sociological Imagination

This authoritative book explores cases of whistleblowing from around the world, with a focus on cases in South Africa. Whistleblowing is a vital tool in the fight against corruption and other forms of organizational wrongdoing. The author develops a sociology of whistleblowing by employing C. Wright Mills’ concept of the sociological imagination that examines the private troubles and public issues related to whistleblowing. Organizational wrongdoing is a public issue that the whistleblower tries to expose so that it can be corrected and whistleblowing also is a personal trouble that can have devastating consequences for the whistleblower and his/her family, friends, and colleagues.  After analyzing whistleblowing in terms of the personal troubles and public issues, this engrossing book considers ways in which whistleblowers and organizations could be supported to promote the public interest while mitigating the possible negative consequences for whistleblowers, organizations and our societies. This book is a must read for policymakers, researchers, whistleblowers and those who are interested in a just society.  Review For many years Tina Uys pioneered a lonely intellectual path on whistleblowing in South Africa. Today against the background of headlines and popular books Uys brings her accumulated knowledge to bear on the subject with precision and compassion as she sensitively explores the biographies of whistleblowers. While referees in soccer matches have VAR as back-up, those who blow the whistle on corporate and state corruption have little support. By placing whistleblowing within the lens of social justice Uys makes us see the phenomenon in new ways, turning what is often isolated as private troubles into a public issue.    Professor Ashwin Desai, University of Johannesburg, South Africa In Whistleblowing and the Sociological Imagination Professor Tina Uys shows that men and women who courageously expose organizational misbehaviour have too often been outrageously mistreated. This brilliant clinical sociologist asks what can be done to improve matters? She argues for more ethical workplaces with open communication channels cultivating mutual trust to the benefit of all. Enjoy the skilful analysis of an accomplished practitioner at the height of her powers. Professor Dennis Smith, Loughborough University, UK Professor Uys provides an amazing amount of information about whistleblowing in a number of countries, particularly focusing on cases in the United States and South Africa.  The book is a "must read" for whistleblowers as well as companies and governments that are looking to improve their organizational processes.  The book also will be of interest to professors, graduate students, researchers and community members who are concerned about illegal, unsafe or wasteful practices in any private, public or government organization. Jan Marie Fritz, University of Cincinnati, USA From the Back Cover This authoritative book explores cases of whistleblowing from around the world, with a focus on cases in South Africa. Whistleblowing is a vital tool in the fight against corruption and other forms of organizational wrongdoing. The author develops a sociology of whistleblowing by employing C. Wright Mills’ concept of the sociological imagination that examines the private troubles and public issues related to whistleblowing. Organizational wrongdoing is a public issue that the whistleblower tries to expose so that it can be corrected and whistleblowing also is a personal trouble that can have devastating consequences for the whistleblower and his/her family, friends, and colleagues.  After analyzing whistleblowing in terms of the personal troubles and public issues, this engrossing book considers ways in which whistleblowers and organizations could be supported to promote the public interest while mitigating the possible negative consequences for whistleblowers, organizations