According to an email from IOA:
Elaine Shaw is an experienced ombuds and mediator currently working as a contract ombuds with several clients in contact with visitors around the world. She has been a member of IOA for more than 10 years, a CO-OP® since 2014, and has served on the IOA Board as well as the CO-OP® Board.
Willem Kweens is an experienced ombuds, mediator, and coach with the goal of helping foster good working relations, facilitating a more positive culture, and being the early warning for the organizations he serves.
Related posts: Ombuds as Part of a Social Justice Framework for Associations; IOA Seeks Proposals for First Conference Ombuds; IOA Names First Conference Ombuds; IOA's First Conference Ombuds Hired for Pilot Year; IOA Selects Next Ombuds; Transitions at Oregon State University Include New Associate Ombuds; Job Posting (RFP).
The IOA Ombuds position faces some unique challenges given the nature of the relationships the IOA Ombuds has with IOA members. The IOA Ombuds is not just the Ombuds but also a peer colleague in the same field as other IOA members. Since the Ombuds community is small, anyone who serves as the IOA Ombuds is likely to interact with Visitors and with people the Visitors complain about for years to come in other capacities in their Ombuds career. They may be competing for the same jobs, or interviewing one another as part of job searches, or participating in other activities within the IOA or broader Ombuds community. Also, the position is likely to attract candidates who specifically seek the position to build their resumes to be competitive for future Ombuds positions. “You should hire me because I was trusted by the IOA to serve as the IOA Ombuds.” I think IOA needs to think carefully about these challenges, and others that might be unique to the IOA Ombuds position. Perhaps hiring a retired Ombuds would help mitigate some of these challenges.
ReplyDeleteThese are excellent points. This position carries some very unique challenges that make it quite different from other Ombuds work. Applicants and the Association should proceed with caution.
DeleteIt's also worth specifically noting many potential candidates - including the two interims - have a lot of experience with IOA itself as board members, committee heads, etc. in a way that can challenge perceptions of independence or impartiality.
DeleteIOA naming ombuds for the organization strikes me as a performative behavior that brings little benefit and certainly not sufficient benefit to justify the expense.
ReplyDeleteThis statement could be made about every organization that creates an ombuds office; it diminishes the profession. Instead, IOA and it members actively promote the creation and advancement of organizational ombuds offices in all organizations, including in our own, because ombuds are effective conflict resolution resources. Ombuds do actual, not performative, work hearing and elevating concerns, helping visitors navigate issues inside IOA and inside their own organizations. We frequently talk about "ombuds need their own ombuds." And we do. We have been fortunate to have trusted and esteemed colleagues in that position for our organization. I invite anyone with actual concerns about IOA, the IOA ombuds program, etc. to read about the history of the position, the ombud's purview, FAQs, and information regarding the search at https://www.ombudsassociation.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=253:ioa-ombuds-program&catid=20:site-content&Itemid=270. You can also feel free to reach out to IOA's Executive Director Ellen Miller, Board members, and/or the IOA Interim Ombuds (or utilize the IOA Complaint & Concern Process) to raise those concerns and gather additional information. Any of us would be happy to talk with you.
DeleteThis community is really good at talking themselves out of all possible solutions. You don't want someone new to the field because they might be using it get ahead in their career (oh heavens the travesty [insert eye-rolling emoji]). You don't want someone who has previously served in an IOA leadership role because there's a perception of bias. So no one new or existing. If you go with someone outside of the field there'd be an uproar about qualifications. You're tying your hands with these circular zero-sum arguments and not open to anyone. Perhaps there should be more consideration about the possibility that the existence of prior professional relationships is not disqualifying, and in fact could provide tremendous value. If IOA selects someone the group respects and trusts, who has a history of being a good ombuds, what do you define that to mean? That they'll carry out the role with the utmost integrity. That they won't shy away from tough issues, and without question will have difficult conversations with anyone on the IOA board. So what if they've had professional interactions before? Are they family? Are they close personal friends that dine and vacation together? That would be disqualifying. An ombuds is there to be a voice and to raise difficult issues. I am confident there are quite a few who could carry out this role in an impartial way and in a manner that is beyond reproach. Let's try to be supportive of IOA in their deliberations and of the forthcoming selectee. You'll know them. And I'd put money that most of you will think, "Oh yeah, good choice. I'd talk to them."
ReplyDeleteThe real question is: does IOA actually need an ombuds? I suggest not.
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