Identifying the Antecedents of Organizational Whistleblowing in the Judiciaries of Southeastern Iran

Abstract

This study aimed to identify and explain the factors associated with organizational whistleblowing in the judiciaries of southeastern Iran based on the experiences and perceptions of experts and knowledgeable professionals. This study employed a qualitative, exploratory, and inductive design. Participants included experts and professionals familiar with the structure and processes of judicial organizations in southeastern Iran, as well as academic specialists in administrative corruption, organizational integrity, and whistleblowing. Sampling began purposively and continued through snowball sampling until theoretical saturation was achieved. Ultimately, 14 participants took part in the study. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews lasting approximately 30–40 minutes. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed concurrently with data collection. Meaning units were identified, initial codes were generated, and conceptually similar codes were organized into subcategories and broader categories. Credibility and dependability were enhanced through repeated transcript review, participant feedback, recoding after a time interval, and inter-coder agreement. Qualitative analysis identified five main categories: deterrence and reduction of corruption, increased transparency, improvement of organizational health and efficiency, enhancement of justice, and moral satisfaction of the whistleblower. Participants believed that the possibility of disclosure could discourage corrupt behavior, reveal concealed information, increase organizational accountability, and promote the correction of defective procedures. Whistleblowing was also viewed as a mechanism for protecting justice, safeguarding individuals’ rights, and strengthening organizational integrity. At the individual level, reporting misconduct could generate a sense of professional and moral fulfillment. Organizational whistleblowing in judicial settings is a multidimensional phenomenon with preventive, corrective, ethical, and justice-oriented implications. Its constructive effects depend on secure reporting channels, genuine protection of whistleblowers, confidentiality, impartial investigation, and a responsive organizational culture.