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Preparing whistleblowers for reporting research misconduct
Arthur J Bonito1, Sandra L Titus, Angela M Greene
1RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
Accountability in Research
|September 27, 2012
Summary
Research Integrity Officers (RIOs) can reduce whistleblower stress by thoroughly discussing the reporting process. Informing whistleblowers about expectations helps them make confident, informed decisions about research misconduct allegations.
Area of Science:
- Research Integrity
- Scientific Misconduct
- Whistleblower Protection
Background:
- Allegations of research misconduct can cause significant stress for whistleblowers.
- Research Integrity Officers (RIOs) are key personnel in managing these situations.
- Effective communication from RIOs can mitigate whistleblower stress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of Research Integrity Officers (RIOs) in reducing whistleblower stress.
- To identify communication strategies used by RIOs that correlate with reduced whistleblower stress.
Main Methods:
- Interviews were conducted with 77 RIOs who had recently managed research misconduct cases.
- Data analysis focused on the topics discussed by RIOs with whistleblowers and RIOs' preparation methods.
Main Results:
- RIOs who discussed more topics and specific aspects of those topics were more likely to use memory aids.
- These RIOs also reported consulting ORI staff, other RIOs, or attending training (e.g., RIO boot camp).
Conclusions:
- Comprehensive information provided by RIOs prepares whistleblowers for the process.
- Thorough preparation builds whistleblower confidence, leading to more informed decisions and reduced stress.
- Effective RIO communication is crucial for supporting whistleblowers in research misconduct cases.
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