This session will address the logic and dynamics of apology and examine how a practical theory of effective apology aligns with trauma-informed and restorative practice. A deeper understanding of the nature of apology is relevant both to:
- administrative and political work with colleagues and other professionals; &
- therapeutic work with clients.
When individuals feel wronged, an apology can bring a sense of relief. An exchange of apology and forgiveness can help to “set relations right” between two individuals. And while the interpersonal dynamic of a public apology is quite different to that of a private, personal apology, whole groups of people nonetheless report experiencing healing after certain well-timed and well-delivered public apologies. So, an effective official public apology, like a private and personal apology, can work to set relations right.
However, social media are changing the ways in which individuals and groups seek apologies. The nature of social media is expanding the number of circumstances in which people feel forced or obliged to give an apology, and blurring the distinction between private and public apologies. So, this is a good time to reconsider the nature of apology.
An apology can be understood as a particular type of negotiation. And if the outcome that people are seeking is to set relations right, then a merely transactional apology can make little positive difference. Indeed, it can exacerbate a problem. Transformational apology is required.
Learning objectives
Participants will:
- be able to clearly distinguish transactional from transformational apology;
- be able to articulate the core elements of a meaningful apology, and the logical stages of engagement;
- have a clearer sense of how this practical theory fits with broader areas of practice such as effective negotiation, and trauma-informed and restorative practice.
When: Friday 12th November 2021
Time: 12:00pm – 2:00pm AEDT (9am WA and Asia, and 2pm in New Zealand)
Where: Zoom (zoom link will be sent in the registration confirmation email)
PRESENTER
David Moore is currently President of the Australian Association for Restorative Justice. He has taught in politics, history, law, and peace & conflict studies at Melbourne, Charles Sturt, Queensland, La Trobe, and James Cook Universities. He worked in the Office of the Queensland Premier & Cabinet before co-founding Transformative Justice Australia (TJA), and training restorative facilitators around Australia, North America and Europe. This work inspired David Williamson’s Jack Manning Trilogy of plays: Face to Face, A Conversation, and Charitable Intent (1999 - 2001) and Michael Rymer’s award-winning (2011) film adaptation of Face to Face.
