What is a "whistleblower policy" designed to do?

A whistleblower policy is specifically designed to encourage individuals within an organization to report illegal or unethical behavior, including violations of laws, regulations, and company policies, without fear of retaliation from their employer or colleagues. This type of policy is vital in fostering a culture of transparency and accountability, ensuring that individuals feel safe to voice concerns about misconduct.

By providing protection and an avenue for reporting, whistleblower policies aim to identify issues early on, potentially safeguarding the organization from legal repercussions and helping maintain its integrity. The assurance of confidentiality and protection against retaliation is crucial in establishing trust and encouraging a proactive approach to compliance and ethical behavior among all employees.

This objective directly contrasts with the other options, which either do not align with the goals of such a policy or focus on aspects not typically associated with whistleblowing mechanisms within organizations.