What does it mean when an employee faces retaliation for whistleblowing?

When an employee faces retaliation for whistleblowing, it means they experience harmful actions as a consequence of reporting misconduct or illegal activities within their organization. This can include a range of negative outcomes, such as demotion, harassment, unjustified disciplinary actions, termination, or a hostile work environment.

The notion of retaliation underscores the importance of protecting whistleblowers, as their intent in reporting wrongdoing is often to support ethical practices and promote accountability within the workplace. Various laws, such as the Whistleblower Protection Act, are in place to safeguard employees from such retaliation, encouraging them to report unethical or illegal activities without fear of adverse repercussions.

In contrast, the other options either suggest positive outcomes that are not inherent to the concept of retaliation or imply support and rewards, which are contrary to the nature of retaliation.