The email addresses concerns from staff and management about the coverage of the university’s beleaguered marketing department.
The marketing department in the Otago Business School made headlines in April after a 2023 staff survey became public, reporting low morale as well as bullying and racism.
Further documents obtained by the Otago Daily Times last week dating from the past six months suggested some issues had not gone away and anonymous comments included in a report on a staff meeting held in June revealed a host of concerns about the staff environment.
Otago University pro-vice-chancellor for commerce Prof Maree Thyne said the material, such as the external review of the department, should not have been leaked.
"It is incredibly disappointing that, at a time when the university has invested in a constructive reset process for the department, led by an independent facilitator, elements of that confidential work, along with other internal departmental information, have been leaked to media.
"This undermines the intent of the facilitation, which was to support the development of a positive, inclusive and respectful workplace culture built on trust."
The university has declined to reveal the costs of the independent review, citing commercial sensitivity.
"As part of our commitment to addressing some concerns raised in the department, the university engaged independent facilitator Kate Keddell, who has provided a clear pathway forward.
"As noted in the ODT article, Kate did not identify any serious concerns and her report highlights the strong commitment of staff to the department’s academic excellence and values."
Acting director of human resources Carolyn King said yesterday the university was working through a process to implement the recommendations of the Keddell report.
"The facilitation process was designed to be confidential and supportive with the aim of fostering a positive, inclusive, trusted and respectful working environment."
