Whistleblowing policies are designed to encourage employees, suppliers, customers, and other stakeholders to report suspected misconduct or fraudulent activities within an organization. These policies provide channels for individuals to raise concerns confidentially and without fear of retaliation. In the context of managerial audits, whistleblowing policies play a crucial role in detecting fraud by enabling early identification and investigation of suspicious activities. Employees who become aware of fraudulent behavior can report it through established channels, allowing management and auditors to take prompt action to address the issue and mitigate potential risks to the organization.

Objective Question: 

What is the primary role of whistleblowing policies in detecting fraud in managerial audits?