Whistle-blowers frequently face severe retaliation for their actions. This retaliation has power to destroy, marginalize, and even metaphorically murder those who speak out. Perhaps the greatest loss described by many whistle-blowers, however, is loss of personal identity, an experience we term the abyss. This study’s purpose was to explore organizational whistle-blowing experiences, specifically the abyss, and identity transformation of whistle-blowers through the construct of narrative identity theory. We interviewed 11 individuals who had blown the whistle against perceived corruption in various Texas school systems, and had experienced retaliation. Narrative analysis revealed four identities personified by whistle-blowers: crusader, citizen, mom, and popularity seeker. These various identities offered explanations for whistle-blowers’ choices to disclose, their perceptions of retaliation, and their abilities to either maintain their identities or reconstitute new identities. We conclude by offering implications for understanding how and why some whistle-blowers can seamlessly manage retaliation, whereas others are transformed by it.
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