Table 3 Facilitators and Barriers to using the Ethos Program
Theme | Facilitators | Barriers |
|---|---|---|
Individual | Anonymous | Concerned they are identifiable |
System for those not confident speaking up directly | Sometimes do not know required details (e.g., name of perpetrator) | |
Others can submit messages | Low awareness of how it works | |
Removes work for the manager | Prefer to speak directly to perpetrator | |
System | Removes power imbalance | Technology / intra-net based, forget how to access, password |
Provides structure and processes | No right of reply, one-sided | |
Informal, non-punitive | Don’t know if action is taken or not | |
Peer, not colleague or junior, provides feedback | Mocked, used as a threat | |
Effectiveness | Identified hidden issues for managers | Behaviour has not improved |
Perpetrators not realising impact until received message, behaviour improved | Outcome not guaranteed | |
Training in how to conduct difficult conversations | Management behaviour, not unprofessional behaviour | |
Positive messages have a strong positive impact on recipients | - |