Department of Conflict Resolution Studies Theses and Dissertations
Date of Award
2024
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Department
Halmos College of Arts and Sciences - Department of Conflict Resolution Studies
First Advisor
Robin Cooper
Second Advisor
Neil Katz
Third Advisor
Ismael Muvingi
Keywords
Alternative dispute resolution, Human Resources
Abstract
Many organizations use policies and procedures as well as professionals to manage conflict within their organizations. Human Resource (HR) professionals assist organizations by establishing policies and ensuring that processes are being followed accordingly. Ombuds provide confidential assistance to individuals through various methods but are not associated with the organization’s official procedures for handling workplace conflict and do not have the formal authority of Human Resources. This qualitative descriptive study explored the individual working relationship between Human Resources professionals and Ombuds. Based on interviews with HR professionals and Ombuds who work in organizations that employ both types of professionals to deal with conflict within the organization, I documented the perceptions, challenges, and benefits of having both types of professionals working in an organization. The leading questions for this research were: What is the relationship and interaction amongst HR professionals and Ombuds within the same organization? What do HR professionals and Ombuds perceive to be the challenges and benefits of having both types of professionals within the same organization? How do HR professionals and Ombuds describe the impact on the conflict management and resolution process because of their working relationship? Interview data was analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis. Results identified how HR professionals and Ombuds in organizations perceive their individual working relationship and interaction. These findings lead to recommendations for organizations regarding effective ways to address how the two roles can manage employee conflict.
NSUWorks Citation
Herbert S. Ambrose. 2024. Human Resource Professionals and Ombuds: Perceptions, Challenges, and Benefits of Their Working Relationship and Interactions A Qualitative Descriptive Study. Doctoral dissertation. Nova Southeastern University. Retrieved from NSUWorks, Halmos College of Arts and Sciences - Department of Conflict Resolution Studies. (243)
https://nsuworks.nova.edu/shss_dcar_etd/243.
