An example of an inexpensive and simplistic reporting mechanism that compromises confidentiality and anonymity is the answering machine. Answering Machines as Reporting Mechanisms Leaving a message on an answering machine requires recording the caller's voice. This causes fear of identification for employees seeking anonymity. Other employee concerns are that the recording will be reproduced, will fall into the wrong hands or be used for a variety of real or imagined purposes. Common sense suggests that any employee with second thoughts about coming forward will not be encouraged to do so by leaving a message on an answering machine.
Answer machines function unsatisfactorily as reporting mechanisms for other reasons.
Background noise and poor recording quality can result in garbled data. Unclear speech or the use of technical or slang terms may cause the receipt of misinformation. Callers using an individual's name may be unaware of another person in the organization with same or similar name. Unless the caller spells the name or knows enough to give other identifying data, the call may be useless to any meaningful investigation. And, if the caller fears retribution, they will certainly not leave their name for a follow-up interview.