Procedures and Inquiries

While we hope that each of our members holds themselves to a high level of ethical conduct, sometimes instances arise which require further conversation. Understand the importance of ethical complaints procedures at AOM and learn how to address concerns effectively.

What to do if you have an Ethical Complaint or Inquiry

Your first point of contact will most likely be the Ombuds Committee. For the full roster of all ethics volunteers, please visit the Leadership Directory, referencing the Committees & Task Forces tab for Ethics.

All of AOM’s Ethics committees are guided by a set of Policies and Procedures for Handling Ethical Complaints, which can be referenced for understanding the formal procedure of how ethics complaints are submitted, reviewed and processed via AOM’s structures.

Ethics Resource Guidance

Start with the AOM Ethics Ombuds Committee

When an ethics issue is not related to AOM activities: 

The Ombuds Committee is here to help. It is your first stop. The Ombuds Committee provides informal counseling (“active listening”) to individuals and referrals on ethics issues. 

For ethics issues that fall within the boundaries of AOM activity:

A member of the Ombuds Committee can interpret the Code, Ethical Standards, the Policies and Procedures for Handling Ethical Complaints, and provide the form for filing a formal complaint. In addition, and importantly, the Ombuds can help mediate disputes among AOM members concerning alleged ethics violations as a pathway toward resolution instead of initiating the formal ethics process.  

• Ombuds Standards
  • Confidentiality
  • Neutral and impartial
  • Informal
  • Independent
• Provide mediation and informal counseling
• Makes no decisions nor judgements
• May seek informal resolution
• Explains AOM process for filing complaints
• Guides nonmembers when appropriate

If an individual choses to file a formal ethics complaint:

Should individuals decide to file a formal ethics complaint, the complaint form goes to the Chair of the Ethics Adjudication Committee (EAC) AOM Leadership Directory  with a copy to the AOM’s Executive Director, who serves as the staff support to the EAC.

• EAC Chair screens inquiries to assess whether criteria for complaint are met
• EAC verifies complaint follows requirements or requests. Complainant submits additional materials
• Notifies Complainant response has been filed
• Explains adjudication procedures
• Receives and processes complaints about alleged violations of Ethical Standards
• Compiles objective, impartial, factual account
• Makes best possible recommendation
• EAC does not investigate; Complainant and Respondent provide information
• Takes action, only for just cause
• Takes only degree of disciplinary action
• EAC uses due process procedures with adherence to guiding principles

For more on the role of the Ethics Adjudication Committee, the time limits and details for filing and responding to complaints, and the full set of steps involved in the adjudication process, please visit the Policies and Procedures for Handling Ethical Complaints.