Seeing and navigating patterns of ‘undiscussables’: the implications of Saville, Snowden and whistleblowing for OD practice. Steve Hearsum, Roffey Park Institute The recent revelation that Jimmy Saville may have abused in the region of 1,000 people during his time at the BBC, and with the knowledge of colleagues who did not challenge and/or report his behaviour, brings into focus once more the ability of people, and the organisations they work in, to address behaviour and/or practices that might be construed as unacceptable at best, and criminal at worst. The above is evidence of what Peter Egan calls the shadow side of organisations, namely: “The covert, the undiscussed, the undiscussable, and the unmentionable. It includes arrangements not found in organisational manuals and company documents or on organisational charts.” (1994, p4) What prevented those around Saville from breaking the taboo that such a figure was unchallengeable? This presentation was given at the ODN Europe Conference during May 2014.

1. Steve Hearsum
May 2014
SEEING AND NAVIGATING
PATTERNS OF
The implications of Saville, Snowden
and whistleblowing for OD practice
‘UNDISCUSSABLES’

4. Other ethical themes
 Misconduct is widespread
 Much unreported
 People don't trust leaders will
act
 Rather than report, more likely
to walk

5. Management Agenda 2014
 Misconduct widespread – circa half of managers
have observed misconduct in their organisation
 Much unreported – ½ of managers choose not to
report it, and 1/5 board directors not reporting.
 Why? – ½ managers don’t believe action will be taken,
and ¼ fear reprisals.
Source: Roffey Park Management Agenda 2014

6. Walk don’t report

7. The cost of speaking out
 74% of whistleblowers say nothing is done about the
wrongdoing
 60% of whistleblowers receive no response from
management, either negative or positive
 Most likely response is formal action (disciplinary or
demotion) (19%)
 15% of whistleblowers are dismissed
 Senior whistleblowers are more likely to be dismissed
Source: PCAW Whistleblowing: the inside story 2013

8. Choices, choices, choices…
 Conviction
 Will
 Execution
 Coonsequuences