Keyword-Based Bibliometric Insights Into Whistleblowing: Trends, Themes And Implications
Abstract
Whistleblowing research has evolved significantly over four decades, progressing from isolated case studies to multidisciplinary analyses examining organisational behaviour, technological systems, and cross-cultural dynamics. This bibliometric analysis examines whistleblowing literature in the Scopus database from 1978 to 2024, identifying trends through keyword co-occurrence analysis using VOSviewer. Four thematic clusters emerged: (1) organisational culture, (2) ethics, (3) healthcare, and (4) legal frameworks. Emerging terms including "ethical leadership," "psychological safety," and "digitalisation" reflect evolving priorities driven by technological advancement and shifting behavioural norms. These findings inform policy development and organisational practice. Policymakers can strengthen legal protections and develop sector-specific reporting mechanisms that prioritise psychological safety alongside compliance. The analysis also reveals underexplored research areas, particularly regarding digital whistleblowing platforms and the psychological impact on whistleblowers, providing direction for future research.
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Publication Date
01 September 2026
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European Publisher
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1st Edition
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1-1
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Accounting and Finance, Business and Management, Communication, Law and Governance
Cite this article as:
Muhamad*, N., Saruji, S. C., Gani, N. A., Ishak, N., & Mahamod, M. (2026). Keyword-Based Bibliometric Insights Into Whistleblowing: Trends, Themes And Implications. In Y. Naoyuki, A. Peng Hwa, & J. Matthes (Eds.), GLY-Upcoming Volume: Innovating Together: The Convergence of Management, Communication, and The Digital Transformation, vol -. European Proceedings of Social and Behavioural Sciences (pp. 42-58). European Publisher. https://doi.org/10.15405/epsbs.2026.09.3