# The Business Case for 'Speaking Up': how Internal Reporting Mechanisms Strengthen Private-Sector Organisations URL: https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/business-case-for-speaking-up Type: Publication or report Published: 2017-07-31 Updated: 2020-06-22 --- 31 July 2017 The business case for companies to adopt robust internal reporting mechanisms is clear. Such mechanisms enable staff to speak up about legal or ethical misconduct. They help protect companies from the effects of misconduct, including legal liability, serious financial losses and lasting reputational harm. Effective internal reporting mechanisms also foster a corporate culture of trust and responsiveness. Companies have found that such mechanisms provide real benefits to their culture, brand, long-term value creation and growth. You can also download [our two-pager](https://www.transparency.org/files/content/publication/2017_BusinessCaseSpeakingUp_2Pager_EN.pdf) for a brief overview and a [French translation](https://www.transparency.org/files/content/publication/The_Business_Case_for_Speaking_Up_-_French_translation.pdf). ## Additional downloads - [Download '2017 Business Case Speaking Up 2 Pager EN' \[PDF\]](https://files.transparencycdn.org/images/2017_BusinessCaseSpeakingUp_2Pager_EN.pdf) ### Related publications ## [Regional Assessment of Integrity in Political Finance in South Asia, Southeast Asia and East Asia](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/integrity-political-finance-asia) Publication • 03 September 2026 This report reviews systems across 17 countries to identify the areas of political finance most in need of reform. ## [Annual Report 2025](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/annual-report-2025) Publication • 17 July 2026 In 2025, Transparency International pursued its mission to stop corruption and promote transparency, accountability and integrity at all levels and across all sectors of society. ## [Connecting the Dots: How financial intelligence units expose corrupt money flows and how they could do more](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/connecting-the-dots) Publication • 24 June 2026 Financial intelligence units can play a key role in uncovering corruption, but only if they have the powers, resources and access to information they need. ## [Global Corruption Barometer 2003](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/gcb-2003) Publication • 03 July 2003 ## Priorities - [Whistleblowing](https://www.transparency.org/en/our-priorities/whistleblowing) ## Projects - [Whistleblowing programme](https://www.transparency.org/en/projects/whistleblowing-project) ![](https://images.transparencycdn.org/images/2017_BusinessCaseSpeakingUp_EN_116.jpg?auto=compress&fit=crop&fm=webp&w=1200) [Download](https://images.transparencycdn.org/images/2017_BusinessCaseSpeakingUp_EN.pdf)