What is a whistleblower?

A whistleblower is specifically defined as an individual who reports misconduct, illegal activities, or unethical behavior within an organization or sometimes even externally. This reporting is often crucial to uphold ethical standards and ensure compliance with laws and regulations. Whistleblowers play an important role in fostering transparency and accountability, as they bring to light actions that may harm stakeholders, the public, or the organization itself.

In contrast, the other descriptions do not accurately depict a whistleblower's function. Supporting colleagues, managing project funds, and conducting audits involve different responsibilities that do not encompass the act of reporting wrongdoing. Thus, the definition provided signifies the critical importance of whistleblowers in maintaining integrity within organizations and protecting the interests of the broader community.