Study Background

The profession of ombudsing, a form of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), is often traced back to King Charles XII of Sweden. Curiously, Chuck was a bellicose dude.  Older multicultural roots are alluded to in influencing King Charles – but finding research and/or documentation on this is very difficult.  In conjunction with formal Ombudsing training through the International Ombudsing Association I would like to explore history, roots and core issues.

Study Learning Goals

• Research: Develop a platform for research – little can be easily found on the roots of ombudsing though references can be found alluding to early history influences;
• History and culture: Explore historic roots of ombudsing including Chinese, Korean, Roman and Turkish influences and others unearthed and explore development in Swedish approach;
• Complexity: Explore core issues and relationships between management and ombudsing.   Integrate with experiences of formal training with the International Ombudsman Association (IOA) in July;
• Strategies and Tools: Begin exploration of useful ombudsing strategies and tools from IOA training and other resources;
• Integration of Learning: Consider aspects of overlap and differentiation between all three courses (Finance, Methods and Human Behaviour in the Workplace) and ombudsing.

Foundational Reading

• Kusukawa, Sachiko and others.  How to Organization a History Essay or Dissertation. www.hps.cam.ac.uk/research/tthr.html
• LeBaron, M, & Abu Nimer, M (2003). Bridging Cultural Conflicts. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
• Needleman J. (1991).  Money and the Meaning of Life. New York: Currency &Doubleday
• Secord, Jim. Tools and Techniques for Historical Research.  www.hps.cam.ac.uk/research/tthr.html

Supplemental Research

• Schutt, R.(1996).  Investigating the Social World. Thousand Oaks: Pine Forge Press.
• Work with library to explore documentation through literature searches.
• Consult with ombudsmen to find links to early influences on profession.
• http://www.hps.cam.ac.uk/research/Fpage.html
• Fisher, R. & Shapiro, D. (2005).  Beyond Reason.  New York: Penguin.
• Wayne, C. Booth, Gregory G. Columb, and Joseph William.  The Craft of Research 2nd Edition (University of Chicago Press, 2003)

For more information, email McKenna.