The Evolving OO Role: Is Neutrality Enough? A Multidisciplinary Discussion Zachary P. Ulrich Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution Andrew Larratt-Smith Ombudsman, UC Riverside

Who’s here today?

Today’s Goals O Open Discussion O Exploration of neutrality as a concept – multiple perspectives O Reflection on, and sharing of, our collective experiences O Consideration of the evolving ombuds role O Discussion of potential strategies for enacting neutrality in our practice

How do we enact neutrality in our practices? Principles of neutrality at our offices Personal perceptions of neutrality as an ombuds

“Neutrality,” from different vantages Discipline O Literal definition O Moral philosophy O Historiography O “The state of not supporting or helping either side in a conflict... absence of decided views.” O Everyone has a different reality. The ability to observe events without bias is virtually impossible. O Perception is a confluence of personal experiences; we all have limited information about events. Perspective

“Neutrality,” from different vantages Discipline O Political science O Systems theory and mathematics O Social-cognitive and neuropsychology O Members of political systems cannot avoid biasing influences. (What is an organization?!?) O Must understand and account for myriad “downstream” effects O Cognitive biases cloud our judgment on multiple levels – people AND process; exacerbated by stress (even perceived stress of others!) Perspective

Individual Exercise What are your biggest challenges remaining neutral as an ombuds?

Small-Group Discussion Groups of ~6-8 Sharing of examples Write down a few to share

Large-Group Discussion Examples of challenges? General questions, comments

Ideas? Questions for Consideration Is neutrality always desired? Non-neutral roles of the ombudsman professional? How can we address these issues going forward?