The Ombuds Blog: IOA Stands for More Than You Might Think

June 25, 2010

IOA Stands for More Than You Might Think

According to Wikipedia, the International Ombudsman Association is the primary definition of IOA. However the acronym also stands for:

Indian Olympic Association
Institute of Acoustics
Institute of Astronomy
Irish Orienteering Association
Indiana Optometric Association
International Ozone Association
International Ornithological Association
International Ostomy Association
Institute of Acoustics
Institute of Astronomy
Institute of Outdoor Advertising
Ioannina, Greece (airport code)

(Wikipedia; Acronym Finder.)

Now you know.

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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

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June 25, 2010

IOA Stands for More Than You Might Think

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