The Ombuds Blog: Statement on Respectful Online Communication

April 30, 2007

Statement on Respectful Online Communication

The Fifth International Forum on Online Dispute Resolution produced a statement regarding dialog using information and communications technologies (ICT) (i.e., internet-based, dynamic conversations). The statement is aspirational and encourages individuals to:

communicate online with respect
listen carefully to others in order to understand their perspectives
take responsibility for their words and actions
keep criticism constructive
respect diversity and be tolerant of differences

As ombuds confront a growing number of relationships impacted by ICT, this may be a useful reference. (ODR Statement, via Mediate.com.)

[Ed. note: These principles are consistent with the Blogger's Code of Conduct, which I strive to follow.]

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Organizational Ombuds

Organizational Ombuds serve as a confidential, independent, neutral and informal dispute resolution resource for a specific entity. They are accessible to a defined population and can advocate for fairness. These unique characteristics distinguish Organizational Ombuds from Classical Ombuds, mediators, arbitrators, and other alternative dispute resolution professionals. The term "Ombuds" is shorthand for "Ombudsman," "Ombudsperson" and "Ombuds Officer," which also are used widely.

Some other variants include:

Austria -- Ombudsstelle

Brazil -- Ouvidor

Croatia -- pravobranitelji

France -- médiateur/defénseur

Germany -- Ombudspersonen

Italy -- difensore

Netherlands -- ombudspersoon

Norway -- ombudet

Poland -- Rzecznik

Portugal -- provedor

Russia -- омбудсмен

Spain -- ombudsman organizacional

Sweden -- studentombud

Switzerland -- ombudsmann

Comment Policy

Content and Relevance

Stay on topic: Comments should be relevant to the post.
Be respectful: Personal attacks, insults, profanity, inflammatory language, and discriminatory or harassing comments will not be tolerated.
No self-promotion or spam: Comments should contribute to the conversation and not be used to for commercial purposes.
No confidential information: Do not share confidential information about your organization or visitors.

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Keep it concise: Comments should be clear and to the point. Excessively long comments may be edited for clarity and length.
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Be professional and respectful: Please be mindful of your content, even when commending anonymously.
Comments may be edited: I reserve the right to remove or edit any comments that violate these guidelines. My edits will be noted.
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Guest editorials: Please email me directly to discuss a guest editorial offering a longer, more in-depth perspective on a topic related to the organizational ombuds profession

April 30, 2007

Statement on Respectful Online Communication

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