Poles’ Attitudes to the Concept of Whistleblowing. Historical and Present Background

Abstract The issue of whistleblowers is one great interest and controversy because EU Directive (EU) 2019/1937 the European Parliament Council 23 October 2019 on protection persons who report breaches Union law. While English meaning “whistleblowing” inherently positive not associated with anything negative, Polish translation word, “ sygnalista ”, often does evoke associations. Blowing whistle versus snitching are two types activity it important to understand essence these terms. Unfortunately, linguistic connotations indicate that Poles do always read proper intentions when hearing word “whistleblower”. Whistleblowing seen in Poland as a reprehensible activity, usually referred denouncers. “whistleblower” rather pejorative. history, experienced through Nazi practices, spying age Cold War invigilation by Soviet Union, has developed firmly established hostility against so-called informers. That why so difficult attain level understanding this Poland. current realities operating an organization, regardless its legal nature, force conform certain standards. These standards, arising either from norms or good practice, form compliance system. Regulations whistleblowing inevitably part it.