JIOA Call for Papers: Models for Ombuds Programs

The Journal of the International Ombuds Association is seeking articles for a special issue, "Organizational Ombuds Models: Structures, Strategies, and Implications for Practice." The issue will feature original research articles, case studies, theoretical perspectives, and practice-based insights from scholars and practitioners examining Ombuds program models across industries.

More detail from an announcement on LinkedIn:

We welcome manuscripts that address topics such as:

• Embedded Ombuds Models: Examining ombuds roles situated within specific units, departments, or professional domains, including implications for accessibility, role clarity, boundary management, and perceived neutrality.
• Collateral Ombuds Models: Exploring the opportunities and challenges of ombuds roles held in conjunction with other organizational responsibilities, including questions of credibility, independence, and ethical tension.
• Outsourced and External Ombuds: Analyzing the use of third-party ombuds services, including implications for confidentiality, institutional knowledge, continuity, and trust.
• Hybrid and Shared-Service Models: Investigating structures that blend internal and external functions or serve multiple institutions, regions, or systems.
• Governance and Reporting Structures: Exploring how funding sources, reporting lines, and oversight mechanisms shape the effectiveness and ethical integrity of ombuds offices.
• Access and Equity Considerations: Examining how different models affect who is able to use ombuds services, under what conditions, and with what degree of psychological safety.
• Ethical and Professional Standards: Analyzing how various models support or strain the International Ombuds Association’s Standards of Practice, including confidentiality, independence, neutrality, and informality.
• Innovation and Adaptation: Highlighting emerging or nontraditional models developed in response to organizational complexity, financial pressures, or changing workforce needs.

(LinkedIn.)

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