Systematic conflict management in scientific organisations

A. Scientific organisations

in Germany are above all the BIG FIVEcomposed of

• the public universities, especially the universities,
• the Helmholtz Centres and their institutes,
• of the Leibnitz Association and its institutes,
• the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft together with its institutes and
• the Max Planck Institutes, all of which are members of the German Research Foundation – as well as many other societies, foundations and academies (of science!) etc.

On the one hand, these organisations have problems and conflicts like other business organisations, but on the other hand, they face the particular challenge of "Good Scientific Practice (GWP) to protect and promote.

BTW: Mediation also serves as a field of teaching and research in scientific organisations.

B. Conflict landscapes in scientific organisations

(=fields of application for mediation and other conflict management procedures)

• Non-science-specific conflicts,
• Science-specific conflicts (keyword: good scientific practice)
• „Transition and cross-cutting conflicts“

I. Non-science-specific conflicts in scientific organisations

This is where potential for conflict arises in scientific organisations because they are also organisations, e.g. when the scientific organisation acts as an economic market participant and, like other organisations, also has to deal with potential for conflict, e.g. with purchases, real estate transactions, i.e. conflicts with third parties, etc.

II.  Science-specific conflicts

Science-specific conflicts revolve around the problem of science organisations to ensure good scientific practice. The need for constructive handling of potential conflicts in this respect has increased with the changed framework conditions of scientific knowledge acquisition.

• Recommendation of the German Rectors' Conference on „Safeguarding Good Scientific Practice“ Link

Here, the rules, procedures, etc. are at the centre of the conflict, which should enable and secure good science. The extent to which mediation can be used here is unclear, as the outcome of mediation does not appear to be completely open and context-free.

III Transitional and cross-cutting conflicts
Conflicts in the border area between science-specific and non-science-specific areas of conflict, e.g. in the case of labour law conflictswhere the tasks are research and scientific fields, but also in copyright conflicts (intellectual property) etc…, which by no means occur exclusively in scientific organisations, but are established here in the context of the GWP.

In some cases, such as at universities and colleges, there are conflict counselling centres that act as the first point of contact. Contact points and a Distribution function take over. It is not uncommon for these first points of contact to be located in the HR department. Of course, the legal department also serves as a point of contact, although a distribution function may be common practice here, but by no means a professionalisation or specific distribution of tasks is likely to have taken place.

Excursus: Sins of German scientific history = challenge for safeguarding good scientific practice (GWP)

C. Structure and system of ombudsman offices in scientific organisations

I. In Germany, conflicts and questions that arise in the area of good scientific practice and scientific integrity are dealt with centrally by the Ombudsman for the sciences.

• Ombudsman for the sciences in Germany. Link

The Ombudsman for the Sciences and Humanities is a Committeewhich is set up by the German Research Foundation – specifically: its Senate – and in Berlin has its office here. The committee works neutral, fair and confidential. The current spokesperson for the committee is Bayreuth legal scholar Prof Dr Stephan Rixen.

This body can In addition to the local ombudsman offices can be called.

• Here you will find the Current list of all ombudsman offices of scientific organisations in Germany.

II Specific tasks of the Ombudsman of the Sciences and Humanities:

1. Counselling, i.e. the ombudsman is available to provide advice and assistance in specific cases of conflict and questions relating to the GWP.
2. Mediation, i.e. in conflicts relating to good scientific practice (GWP), the committee acts as a mediator and can „send mediators“. It acts as a conflict moderator, not as a mediator in the traditional sense.
3. Events, i.e. the Ombudsman organises events to raise awareness and spread the word about the GWP.
4. Networking, i.e. the Ombudsman networks nationally and internationally with experts in the field of scientific integrity.

III Guidelines for the work of the Ombudsman are in the Code of the German Research Foundation standardised. Link

IV. Annual Report 2018 of the Ombudsman for the Sciences and Humanities. Link
The annual reports from previous years can be found here.

Excursus: Ombudsman and ombudsman boards

D. Recommendations for mediation practice in scientific organisations

• Establish systematic conflict management!
• Establish mediation as a procedure among, alongside and with other conflict management procedures.
• differentiate between administrative and academic staff.
• Pay particular attention when dealing with scientific personnel:
  • No psychologisation of behaviour! The social aspect of the conflict also seems strange.
  • Strong inclination towards the community! „Saving face“ and ideas of loyalty are driving motives for (non-)action. Consider the reputation of those involved!
  • (University) political, economic and social influences must always be taken into account.
  • External methods and tools must be appropriate to the science.
  • Observe the principle of rationality and equality, but do not negate the imbalance of power! This means that even if special, almost magical power is attributed to the power of the right argument, people with institutionally conferred power also act in scientific organisations.

Concepts for mediation