227
Copyright © 2020, IGI Global. Copying or distributing in print or electronic forms without written permission of IGI Global is prohibited.
Chapter 13
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-7998-1474-0.ch013
ABSTRACT
Researchers have discussed the concept of whistleblowing in a variety of felds including psychology,
sociology, ethics, law, and public policy. Whistleblowing is expressed as the disclosure of illegal, unethi-
cal or illegitimate practices under the control of employers by members of the organization to persons
or organizations that may afect the action. Whistleblowing is so important especially in the tourism
industry that many tourist establishments cannot disregard it. Unethical behaviors may arise from the
organization itself as well as the personality characteristics of the employees in the tourism industry as
in diferent sectors. The behaviors of superiors and individuals within the organization, ethical practices
in the tourism industry, moral climate of society, and organizational policies constitute sources of unethi-
cal behaviors in the tourism businesses. For this reason, it is very important to encourage and legally
protect whistleblowers who will inform the authorities of ethical and illegal behavior.
INTRODUCTION
Nowadays, organizations can continue their existence depending on the labor force and customer loyalty
they have. It has become increasingly importance for both employees and customers (guests) how orga-
nizations stand against laws and ethical principles. Since each employee wants to be in an environment
with ethical climate, each customer (guest) also has desire to purchase product or service from any or-
Can Whistleblowing Be a
Solution to Unethical Behaviors
in the Tourism Industry?
Gulsevim Yumuk Gunay
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6184-0714
Trakya University, Turkey
Basak Ozyurt
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3225-0250
Trakya University, Turkey