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Introducing IOA Publishing

IOA has launched a book publishing arm and our first publication is a compilation titled The Organizational Ombuds: Foundations, Fundamentals & The Future.

Release Date:  7 April 2025

The Organizational Ombuds: Foundations, Fundamentals & The Future

Editors:

Shannon Lynn Burton, Ph.D. Michigan State University

Loraleigh Keashly, Ph.D. Wayne State University 

Publisher:  International Ombuds Association

Organizational Ombuds first appeared in North America in the 1960s as an offshoot of classical ombuds practices rooted in Northern Europe.  While there have been many publications that address organizational ombuds practice in the form of articles and journals, as well as publications that serve as legal guides to practice, there has yet to be a comprehensive resource that addresses the interdisciplinary and nuanced history, theory and practices found within the field.

This 45+ author compilation provides a holistic look at the work of organizational ombuds, including its historical roots, theoretical approaches in the field, sectors in which it is practiced, its organization and delivery, as well as the future of the field. Those outside of organizational ombuds often relegate it to an alternative dispute resolution function. 

However, it is, in fact, a much more diverse practice that stretches organizational structures, communications, human development, systemic problems, and concerns, as well as conflict resolution. To comprehend the whole of organizational ombuds practice, both researchers and practitioners must have a solid footing as to what constitutes the field. This book hopes to provide just that. 

For questions about the book, please reach out to Ellen Miller at [email protected].

A Note about IOA Editorial Purview:  As with all affiliated publishers, including university and association presses, books and articles published by IOA have not been reviewed by the IOA Board of Directors and do not reflect the official endorsement or views of the IOA. IOA’s publishing initiative aims to advance research and foster discussion on the Organizational Ombuds model and its application. Similar to the Journal of the International Ombuds Association (JIOA), content is reviewed by the publication’s editorial team and does not necessarily represent the policies or perspectives of the IOA. 

Available for special purchase at the 20th Anniversary Conference in Miami for the special launch rate of $89.95.  The book will be available for purchase via the IOA website beginning 1 May 2025.