Whistleblowing, Compliance & Ethics Glossary

Whistleblowing, compliance, and ethics aren't just checkboxes. They’re systems built on clarity. And clarity starts with shared language.

This glossary is your go-to reference for the terms that shape internal reporting programs - whether you're drafting policy, evaluating software, or training your team.

A–F

Anonymous Reporting

Mechanism allowing individuals to report misconduct without revealing their identity.

AI Voice Intake

AI voice intake report intake method that allows individuals to report misconduct by speaking into a phone or app, where artificial intelligence transcribes and processes the message securely and accurately.

Automated Triage

The process of using compliance software to automatically categorize and prioritize incoming reports based on predefined criteria, ensuring efficient case management.

Bribery

Offering or accepting something of value to influence actions dishonestly.

Bullying

Repeated aggressive behavior intended to hurt another individual emotionally or physically.

Case Escalation

A procedure to elevate a reported issue to higher authority levels within an organization when initial responses are inadequate or the severity of the case demands it.

Case Handler

Individual responsible for managing and investigating reported cases.

Case Management

Systematic process of handling reported incidents from intake to resolution.

Code of Conduct

Set of rules outlining the responsibilities and proper practices for individuals within an organization.

Compliance

Adherence to laws, regulations, guidelines, and specifications relevant to business processes.

Compliance Framework

A structured set of guidelines and best practices that organizations follow to ensure adherence to legal and ethical standards.

Confidential Reporting

Reporting mechanism where the reporter's identity is known but protected from disclosure.

Conflict of Interest

Situation where personal interests could influence professional judgment.

Corruption

Dishonest or fraudulent conduct by those in power, typically involving bribery.

Data Localization

The requirement for data to be stored within the country where it was collected, often due to regulatory mandates.

Data Residency

Physical or geographic location where data is stored.

Data Sovereignty

Concept that data is subject to the laws of the country in which it is located.

Discrimination

Unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people.

Ethics

Moral principles that govern a person's behavior or the conducting of an activity.

Ethics Hotline

Ethics hotline is a dedicated communication channel, often managed by third parties, allowing employees to report unethical behavior confidentially.

Fraud

Wrongful or criminal deception intended to result in financial or personal gain.

Free-Format Intake

Flexible reporting method allowing reporters to describe issues in their own words.

G–L

Governance

The system of rules, practices, and processes by which an organization is directed and controlled. In compliance programs, governance defines roles, responsibilities, and accountability for handling ethical issues and internal reporting.

Grievance Mechanism

A formal process that enables employees or external stakeholders to raise concerns about misconduct, unfair treatment, or policy violations. In compliance environments, grievance mechanisms often include anonymous or confidential reporting channels.

Incident Management System

A software solution designed to log, track, and resolve reported incidents systematically.

Internal Reporting Channel

Mechanisms established within an organization for employees to report concerns or violations directly.

Legal Hold

A process to preserve all forms of relevant information when litigation is reasonably anticipated.

M–R

Misconduct

Improper or unethical behavior by an employee or professional.

Multilingual Access

Availability of services or platforms in multiple languages to accommodate diverse users.

Mobbing at Work

When a group of employees repeatedly targets and harasses a colleague, creating a hostile and intimidating work environment.

Non-Retaliation Policy

An organizational commitment that protects individuals who report misconduct from retaliation.

Proxy Reporting

Submission of a report by someone on behalf of another individual.

Regulatory Change Management

The process of tracking, assessing, and implementing changes in laws and regulations that impact organizational compliance.

Retaliation

Adverse action taken against someone for reporting misconduct.

Risk Assessment

Process of identifying and analyzing potential issues that could negatively impact key business initiatives.

S–Z

Speak Up Culture

Organizational environment where employees feel safe to report misconduct.

Speak Up Officer

Designated individual responsible for overseeing the whistleblowing process within an organization.

Third-Party Reporting

Use of external entities to receive and manage reports of misconduct.

Third-Party Risk Management

Assessing and mitigating risks associated with vendors, suppliers, and other external partners.

Transparency

Openness in communication and operations within an organization.

Trust-First UX

User experience design prioritizing user trust, especially in sensitive reporting platforms.

Two-Way Anonymous Communication

A feature allowing ongoing dialogue between the reporter and the organization without revealing the reporter's identity.

Two-Way Dialogue

Interactive communication channel allowing ongoing conversation between reporter and case handler.

Whistleblower

Individual who reports misconduct or unethical behavior within an organization.

Whistleblower Protection Directive

A legal framework established by the EU to protect individuals who report breaches of Union law.

Whistleblowing

Whistleblowing is a critical process that helps maintain integrity and accountability within organizations. It's the act of reporting or disclosing wrongdoing, such as fraud, misconduct, or violations of law, within an organization, typically by someone who has access to that information in a work-related context​.

Whistleblowing Channel

Designated medium through which reports of misconduct can be submitted.

Whistleblowing Policy

Formal document outlining procedures and protections for reporting misconduct.

Workflow Automation

Using technology to automate repetitive tasks in the compliance process, enhancing efficiency and accuracy.

Zero Tolerance Policy

An organizational stance that enforces strict consequences for specific violations, leaving no room for discretion.