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Action learning for constructive workplace relations
About the session In 2008, the State Services Authority launched a project called “Taking the Heat out of Workplace Conflict”. The aim was to minimise disputes and promote effective relationship management in Victorian Public Sector workplaces. Anecdotal evidence suggests that grievances remain common in this sector and that complainants often remain dissatisfied at the conclusion of a “resolution” process. A 2007 survey found employees lack confidence in the ability of their managers to resolve grievances and disputes. At a time when government organisations are under increased pressure to “cut costs”, the cost of workplace conflict continues. A group of professionals from Victorian Public Sector (VPS) organisations is currently involved in an action learning project which includes review of grievance systems, building skills in facilitation, and shift of focus towards planning improved communication and workplace relations across organisations. This session presented by Nicole Cullen, David Moore and Lynne Witynski will cover:
This session will be of particular relevance to practitioners interested in recent developments in integrated conflict management systems and constructive communication systems. Podcast: Listen to Nicole talk about this sesssion (12 mins) >> |
Lynne Witynski
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Lynne is a trained mediator and conflict coach. Prior to joining the Victorian Public Service, Lynne worked in the Commonwealth government developing and implementing a diverse range of policies and programs. Lynne worked in Canberra, as well as state and regional offices and overseas. A seminal experience for Lynne occurred when she was conducting secondary reviews of action and she saw that people often remained aggrieved, irrespective of the outcome of their complaint. Currently, at the State Services Authority, Lynne is project managing a far reaching piece of work titled ‘Taking the heat out of workplace issues’. Lynne has come to realise that her approach in this project is called ‘participatory action research’ and the learnings for herself and project partners have been often unexpected and illuminating.Nicole Cullen
Nicole Cullen has had a significant interest in conflict management systems since studying dispute system design at CDR Associates in Colorado in 1997. Subsequently, she lead an internal review of the Commonwealth Bank’s complaints handling procedures in Victoria, she conducted a full review of complaints handling for the real estate industry in Victoria and whilst Deputy Chairperson of the Superannuation Complaints Tribunal, she created a best practice guideline for complaints handling for superannuation funds. Taking her mediation skills to a new and different level, she enjoys facilitating improvements to conflict management systems for a range of corporate clients.
David Moore
David Moore is a Melbourne-based consultant in communication and organisational change. He has taught in politics, history, justice studies and peace and conflict studies in several Australian universities and has worked in central government policy. He co-founded Transformative Justice Australia, which was involved in reforms using the Conferencing process in education, justice and workplaces in Australia, Europe and North America. This work was dramatised in David Williamson’s Jack Manning Trilogy of plays. More recently, David also co-founded Primed Change Consulting, which combines drama and multimedia with organisational theory to assist organisations with adaptive change.
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