Whistleblowing in the Software Industry: a Survey

Background: Wrongdoings occurring within or in relation to software can have big implications on individuals, groups of people, or society as a whole. Whistleblowing is considered an effective tool to reveal and stop wrongdoing but is still a controversial topic that has been researched sparsely in the software industry. Aim: In this study we address this gap and research the current environment for whistleblowing (reporting wrongdoing) in the software industry. Method: We surveyed 147 software practitioners about their views on whistleblowing, the current means they have to report software-related wrongdoing, and the enabling and obstructing factors to whistleblow. Results: Our study shows that software practitioners have a positive view towards whistleblowing. However, in practice whistleblowing is obstructed by the difficulty of proving the actual harm and fear of retaliation. Practitioners with more years of experience report more comfort using readily established mechanisms and procedures in their organization, are more willing to speak up and have more confidence that their report will lead to action than their less experienced peers. These differences are statistically significant. Conclusion: Through our results we conclude that the software industry needs to improve the environment for whistleblowers by providing more external reporting mechanisms, anonymity, and confidentiality, as well as support practitioners with less years of experience.