Formal? Informal? What’s the Difference, Anyway? | From the Ombuds

I’ve got a new post on From the Ombuds that examines the differences between formal and informal conflict resolution processes:

I frequently get asked just what an ombuds does—almost as often as I get asked how you say it (rhymes with “Tom Suds”). For me, one of the most important aspects of the office is its informality. But what does “informal” mean in this context, and how precisely is it different from a formal office or process?

Read it all: Formal? Informal? What’s the Difference, Anyway? | From the Ombuds