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Whistle-blowing is the disclosure or reporting of wrongdoing. Whistle-blowing mechanisms enable employees, customers, and suppliers to speak up and share information about activities within the organisation that include but are not limited to violations of laws and regulations, the organisation's ethical code of conduct, or international human rights standards. Due to the importance of the issues being raised by whistle-blowers and the risk of retaliation by employers and colleagues, whistle-blowers should be assigned specific rights for their protection and there should be clear procedures for investigation. A whistle-blower policy should include options, such as a hotline, for anonymous reporting and responses.

Whistle-blowing is distinct from i) internal complaints, which should be covered by an internal complaints procedure under the organisation's employment policies, and ii) external grievances, which are complaints registered by stakeholders and which should be covered by a external grievance management mechanism. Whistle-blowers raise issues that go to the heart of accountability by the organisation and sometimes highlight issues that would pose a significant threat to the organisation if not addressed.