Fraud, Waste, and Abuse
Fraud, Waste, and Abuse (FWA) form the core of many whistleblower reports. Fraud encompasses intentional deception for personal gain, like embezzlement or billing fraud. Waste involves squandering resources, such as unnecessary expenses or programs that don’t deliver. Abuse of Authority describes misusing power, exemplified by favoritism, sexual harassment, or retaliation for whistleblowing. The significance of FWA in whistleblowing lies in its broad scope, capturing a variety of misconduct. It emphasizes the financial and ethical consequences of such actions, promoting responsible use of resources and power. Imagine a healthcare worker reporting unnecessary surgeries or a factory worker exposing safety hazards – these are all examples of FWA whistleblowing that can safeguard public funds, protect well-being, and promote ethical conduct within organizations.