IOA Topical Practice Guides

Ombuds Topical Guide Resource Booklets: 
Essential Publications for the Practicing Ombudsman

All current IOA Members have access to all six (6) topical guide resource booklets in a downloadable PDF version.

The following IOA booklets were originally given to new members and participants in the IOA Ombuds 101/Foundations course.  They represent the work of multiple authors and leaders in our field which are now available to IOA members in downloadable pdf format. The brochures provide a historical foundation with useful information still relevant to current Organizational Ombuds work.

Non-members may still purchase these materials at the non-member rate. To purchase these, complete the purchase form. All 6 booklets are available for $60. 

Join IOA or renew your membership to receive access to the PDF versions of the topical guides.
If you are already a member, you can download the PDFs.

Downloadable PDFs

1) “Dealing with the Fear of Violence” 

By Mary Rowe, PhD and Linda Wilcox, MA, CAS

This essential resource provides information and tools to address concerns about targeted violence in the workplace and practical guidelines to help analyze situations and guide actions. The publication describes the systems approach to violence and related issues; examines the risk factors for the potential of suicide; and details the questions to ask when seeking a crisis consultant.

Members: downloadable PDF version


2)  “Neutrality” - No longer available in print. Only available to members in 
By Howard Gadlin and Elizabeth Walsh Pino

Along with confidentiality, neutrality is one of the cornerstones of the ombuds profession and legitimizes the position. This essential publication describes the major dimensions of neutrality; provides definitions and terms of reference; describes the importance of institutional location and interactions within the organization; challenges to neutrality, such as personal inscriptive demographics or extraordinary public circumstances; and includes a helpful interview-debriefing checklist.

* Also included in training fees for the Professional Development Course - Foundations of Organizational Ombudsman Practice

Members: downloadable PDF version


3) “Ombuds Confidentiality Privilege: Theory and Mechanics”
By Charles L. Howard and Maria A. Gulluni

Confidentiality is the bedrock on which virtually all ombuds programs are built, and the promise of confidentiality is what permits the airing and resolution of issues and disputes. This publication covers the legal bases for protecting confidentiality; the Federal Common law privilege; the “implied contract”; statutory protection and related privileges; developing systems that protect confidentiality; and much more. 

* Also included in training fees for the Professional Development Course - Foundations of Organizational Ombudsman Practice

Members: downloadable PDF version


4)  “Options, Functions, and Skills”
By Mary Rowe, PhD

This brochure defines the organizational ombudsman and describes the role, skills, and functions of the organizational ombuds versus the classical ombuds, and provides the basic definitions for the profession. 

* Also included in training fees for the Professional Development Course - Foundations of Organizational Ombudsman Practice

Members: downloadable PDF version


5) “Reprisal, Retaliation, and Redress” 
By Robert L. Hutchins

This document gives common sense advice to the ombuds practitioner who is faced with situations in which the circumstances appear to be reprisal or fear of reprisal, and teaches the ombuds the skills necessary to determine whether actions are, indeed, intimidation or reprisal, in order to resolve or prevent it. 

Members: downloadable PDF version


6) “Why an Organizational Ombudsman?”
By Thomas Furtado

This nuts and bolts publication gives companies that are considering the establishment of an alternative dispute resolution system insights into why the establishment of an ombuds office is an excellent choice. It outlines the considerations and benefits to the corporation and the employees. 

Members: downloadable PDF version


Purchase the Guide Booklets

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