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Why Should My Organization Have an Ombuds?

The Value & Effectiveness of the Organizational Ombuds Role

One of the most important tasks facing organizational ombuds is communicating the value and effectiveness of their office and role to their institutions and the public. IOA has developed a Communications Toolkit for IOA members to access, as well as a brochure to share with organizations and members of the public.

Download the Modern Ombuds Brochure

Ombuds Office Video Testimonials

Recommended Readings to Help with Institutions and the Public

A Practical Guide to Organizational Ombuds: How They Help People and Organizations,
by Charles L. Howard (2022)

A Reappraisal - The Nature and Value of Ombudsmen in Federal Agencies
Issued by Administrative Conference of the United States (ACUS), 2016

The Organizational Ombuds Office and Corporate Social Responsibility: Driving Values in an Organization. Society of Petroleum Engineers. 
Bonnivier, B. M., Brooke-Lander, M. C., & Lewis, M. R. (2015, March 16).  doi:10.2118/173528-MS

Effectiveness of Organizational Ombudsmen
The Ombudsman Association handbook, courtesy of Mary Rowe)

Identifying and Communicating the Usefulness of Organizational Ombuds With Ideas about OO Effectiveness and Cost-Effectiveness
Mary Rowe, JIOA, 2010

An Organizational Ombuds Office in a System for Dealing with Conflict and Learning from Conflict, or “Conflict Management System” 
Mary Rowe, 2008

What Is Success in Ombuds Processes? Evaluation of a University Ombudsman
Tyler R. Harrison, Conflict Resolution Quarterly, vol. 21, no. 3 (Spring 2004). Requires password to Wiley site.

The Ombudsman's Role in a Dispute Resolution System
Mary Rowe, Negotiation Journal, 1991

Benchmarking and Metrics for Ombuds Programs, or What Use Are We Anyway?
Mary Simon and Mary Rowe. PowerPoint presentation at the TOA 15th Annual Conference, May 26, 1999

Creation of an Ombuds Office Can Prevent Retaliation Claims
Michael, Eisner. Mediate.com (Jan. 2007).

On Being An Ombuds: Considerations and Suggestions for Practice.
Rick Russell, (2003).