Mid-Level Accounting and Finance Managers' Perceptions of their Familiarity with SOX Whistleblower Protection Laws

This paper examines the self-reported ratings of mid-level accounting and finance managers who responded to a survey regarding their familiarity with the SOX whistleblower protection laws and related issues. The mid-level managers rated their awareness of SOX through employer-organized training and from employee policy manuals. The managers also rated their perception of employer's commitment to the whistleblower protection laws, willingness to whistle-blow if they identified a wrongdoing, and knowledge of steps for initiating a whistleblower claim. The results of the analysis indicate that mid-level managers are mostly familiar with the SOX whistleblower protection laws; however, they do not receive adequate corporate-sponsored awareness training, and do not perceive their employer organizations to be particularly committed to the SOX Whistleblower protection laws. In addition, most mid-level managers are willing to whistle-blow if they identify a wrongdoing or abuse, but many do not know the steps and procedures for initiating a whistleblowing claim.