Open Access
American Research Journal of Business and Management
ISSN (Online): 2379-1047
DOI: 10.46568/arjbm
University Public Ombudsman and their Challenges to Face Bullying at Work
Abstract
The public ombudsman is understood as a democratic institute that promotes dialogue between users and the organization,
responding to society’s complaints with a focus on improving public services. And, it can promote social control and
social participation by carrying out this approach. However, the public ombudsman can face barriers imposed by the
organization in which it operates — mainly because it is a communication channel that deals with sensitive matters,
such as complaints of moral bullying at work. Through qualitative research and content analysis, this research aimed to
identify which barriers can be imposed on Brazilian university public ombudsmen in dealing with workplace bullying. The
results show that the investigated ombudsmen are faced with barriers in the academic environment that are the result
of harmful conduct and practices by leaders and managers, such as lack of knowledge of the concepts of ombudsman
and bullying at work, as well as the presence of corporatism. It is concluded that they need to fulfill their democratic role
with excellence, have autonomy and make use of strategiesto reduce the unfavorable elements and thus be able to face
bullying at work.
