Modeling whistleblowing by the theory of planned behavior: A research in Turkey

The main purpose of this research is to exhibit the predictors of whistleblowing intentions of students that have working experience. The term has negative connetations like squeal, rat, informer, snitch, telltale, and buzzer in Turkish when translated. The Whistleblowing Scale based on the Theory of Planned Behavior is applied to see first what factors contribute to intention to report an illegitimate, improper, or illegal activity. Then, the impacts of some demographic factors on individuals' whistleblowing intention and behavior are examined. In this study, to take no side, a new phrase -meşru ihbarcılık- is used. In the research, as a quantitative research method, an online survey is applied on 2921 students studying at Anadolu University, Distance Education Faculty. As for application, some pre-tests are applied. Then, the Stractural Equation Model is tested by means of the Explanatory Factor analysis, the Confirmatory Factor analysis and validity-realibility test. All in all, it is found out that attitudes toward the behavior, social norms, and the perceived behavior control are statistically meaningful on the participants' intentions and behavior. Besides, Gen Y, women, single individuals, and private company workers' whistleblowing behavior are higher.