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Journal of the International Ombuds Association (JIOA)

JIOA 2024 Articles

IOA Journal Volume 17, Issue 1 (2024)

 

The Center Will Hold: An Overview of Circle Processes and Their Potential Use in Academic Medicine and Other Organizations
NATALIE C. FLEURY

April 2024

Abstract: 

The use of circles to nurture trust relationships is a practice see in many Indigenous cultures (Kaminski, 2011). Recently, circle processes have been used in neighborhoods, schools, workplaces, justice systems, and other settings to address a variety of issues. Effective circle processes create a safe space where everyone is respected and each participant has the opportunity to speak. A well-executed circle creates a receptacle that can hold strong emotions, encourages vulnerability and sharing, and creates a sense of connection and shared purpose. This article focuses on adapting circles to address workplace issues in academic medical institutions. The article introduces the stages of a circle process, the general structure of circle processes, and important circle guidelines followed by an overview of five different models for circle processes. Application of these process are illustrated using a scenario and exploring how each process might be used to address issues arising from the scenario.

 

Book Review: The Ethics of Interpersonal Relationships
SCOTT TAYLOR
February 2024

Abstract:

Firestone and Catlett’s The Ethics of Interpersonal Relationships (2009) presents a deep dive into how an individual’s negative behavior is seated in early childhood trauma. Built on Firestone’s Separation Theory, the book presents multiple examples of an individual’s childhood influencing their decision-making capabilities as adults. In addition, the book delves into the concepts of effective leadership, power, and what makes an ethical state. This book review provides an overview of each section and their associated chapters and concludes with some commentary showing implications for practicing ombuds.

 

The Center Will Hold: An Overview of Circle Processes and Their Potential Use in Academic Medicine and Other Organizations

NATALIE C. FLEURY

March 2024

Abstract:

The use of circles to nurture trust relationships is a practice see in many Indigenous cultures (Kaminski, 2011). Recently, circle processes
have been used in neighborhoods, schools, workplaces, justice systems, and other settings to address a variety of issues. Effective circle processes create a safe space where everyone is respected and each participant has the opportunity to speak. A well-executed circle creates a receptacle that can hold strong emotions, encourages vulnerability and sharing, and creates a sense of connection and shared purpose. This article focuses on adapting circles to address workplace issues in academic medical institutions. The article introduces the stages of a circle process, the general structure of circle processes, and important circle guidelines followed by an overview of five different models for circle processes. Application of these processes are illustrated using a scenario and exploring how each process might be used to address issues arising from the scenario.

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About the JIOA

The Journal of the International Ombuds Association (JIOA) is a peer-reviewed online journal for scholarly articles and information relevant to the ombudsman profession. As members of a relatively new profession, we continually strive to understand, define and clarify the role and function of the professional organizational ombuds.

The JIOA will help foster recognition that what we do for our agencies, corporations, colleges, and universities is worthy of study. While we must vigorously protect the confidentiality of our interactions, we can still study and be studied to understand what we do and how we do it; what works well and what doesn't work; what our options are; how social, technical and legal changes may impact us; what the profile and career development of ombudsman professionals might be, and other matters of interest.

The JIOA can facilitate a greater interest in ombudsing, enhance our professional standing, and serve to give us a better understanding of our dynamic roles and the impact on our institutions and agencies. The Journal also will allow IOA members, other ombuds, and other professionals to reach out to their colleagues with their ideas, research findings, theories, and recommendations for best practices and to engage in ongoing discussions of critical issues.

Learn more about the JIOA and the manuscript submission process.

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If you have any questions about the JIOA please contact the co-editors via email at [email protected].

  • Shannon Lynn Burton, Michigan State University
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