• Korean Journal of Culture and Social Issue
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.25-52
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• 2017

The purpose of this study is to explore the motivation for, expectations of, consequences of, and attitudes toward whistle-blowing. that whistle-blowers experience in the whistle-blowing process, and clarify the difference between the ideal and reality. Fourteen official whistle-blowers were interviewed and qualitative data were analyzed based on phenomenological approach. As a result, motivational themes appeared such as professional spirit and personal values. They also tried to pursue public interest such as social changes as well as public support for them. In addition, the participants believed that the cultural characteristics of Korean society such as vertical collectivism are responsible for the gap between ideals and reality of whistle-blowing. In particular, They also suggested a few alternative for reducing the gap.