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The Organizational Ombudsman: Origins, Roles and Operations - A Legal Guide |
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An essential resource for ombudsmen, dispute resolution professionals, in-house counsel, corporate executives, university administrators, compliance officers, and human resources personnel, this book provides a history of the evolution of the role of an organizational ombudsman, as it developed in universities, businesses, and the government since the 1960's. It explains why such a function is important for organizations in light of the demographic, technological, and globalization changes that have occurred in the past 40 years, and the pressures on organizations from developments in criminal law, employment law, and corporate governance and regulation.The book provides: - A detailed rationale for the creation of ombudsman offices, including a review of demographic data and workplace/societal changes in technology and globalization that have influenced how we work and interact in large organizations.
- Suggestions for structuring and documenting an ombudsman program and how to address issues that arise in litigation.
- A comprehensive presentation of various legal issues associated with organizational ombudsman programs, including collecting cases that deal with imputed notice and confidentiality.
- Topics of interest to ombudsmen and to those with whom they work, including discovery tools, arbitration and mediation, the federal sentencing guidelines, the Cleary Act, constitutional limitations on claims of privilege, and the European Union Data Privacy Directive.
- Numerous examples of how ombudsmen function in their organizations to illustrate how they are effective in addressing issues that people would not otherwise raise.
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"An indispensable reference book for the organizational ombudsman. Mr. Howard has written a reference book that combines his thorough understanding of legal principles with his first hand familiarity with the day to day activities and dilemmas of the practicing ombudsman. The book is both scholarly and accessible--he manages to make relevant legal matters understandable to readers who lack legal training without oversimplifying important legal principles. But this book is not an abstract discourse about legal principles; the entire book is grounded in a subtle consideration of the historical, social and economic factors that have contributed to the emergence of the ombudsman function. It belongs on the desk of every practicing ombudsman." -- Howard Gadlin
"Chuck Howard has provided a scholarly and well referenced guide to the ombuds community. He traces the history of the ombudsman from its origin to the current day organizational innovation of ombudsman services. With his deep knowledge of legal issues faced by ombudsman programs in corporate and university settings, Chuck provides the ombuds practitioner with knowledge and tools to handle practice issues such as confidentiality and ombuds privilege. The legal research and organizational approaches make this a 'must read' book for organizational leaders who may be contemplating the establishment of an ombuds Office." -- Anu Rao, M.D. Anderson Ombuds Office, Houston, TX
"This book is a comprehensive and seminal work on the organizational ombudsman profession. Chuck Howard's research is thorough and his analysis profound. The book not only outlines why the ombuds role should be an essential asset for institutions but also how to establish one to ensure its effectiveness. Chuck's experience and expertise make him eminently qualified to provide insight for decision makers, legal professionals, formal channels and ombudsmen within corporate, academic and public institutions." -- Ellen (Randy) Williams; Managing Director, Redmond, Williams & Associates, LLC
"The definitive guide to establishing the ombudsman role, and why every organization needs one." - Ralph Hasson, Co-author, Controlling the Costs of Conflict: How to Design a System for Your Organization
"Chuck Howard has written the definitive work on the organizational ombudsman. Chuck's thorough review of the history, purpose, potential as well as the difficulties in managing an effective ombudsman program makes a compelling case for its establishment. Organizations and corporations, because of Chuck's work, now have strong evidence that an ombudsman program can foster a sound open communication for all of its stakeholders." - Pat Gnazzo, Former Chief Compliance and Ethics Officer for CA Technologies and United Technologies Corporation
"The presence of an organizational ombudsman is one of the most powerful governance tools at the disposal of a corporate board today. In The Organizational Ombudsman, Chuck Howard makes it crystal clear why. He has crafted a masterful verbal tapestry that communicates the history, evolution, and nuances of this powerful function. I applaud the ABA for including this fine book among its publications." - Jon McBride, President, McBride Associates, Inc., Washington, DC
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