Workplace Internal Investigations: A Novel Approach

Whether you might occasionally do an investigation, do investigations frequently, or provide counsel or manage people who do investigations, this book is useful for all levels of expertise. It provides information and a perspective that can help you get started with your first investigation or improve upon your existing knowledge and experience if you have conducted investigations before.

The book provides practical examples and illustrations consistent with a risk management approach that goes beyond typical risk-aversion to understanding and managing risk. The book also emphasizes critical thinking and systems thinking as core principles. These principles drive the focus through the immediate impacts and prompt you to consider the secondary and tertiary impacts of your actions.

Our investigation process model goes beyond a basic checklist for conducting investigations by providing an integrated process. This process is better suited to handle the real-life situations that require prioritizing, scheduling, and judgment than a simple checklist, particularly on the most challenging days.

This book has four main chapters, aligned with the four phases of the process model. Each chapter begins with a story illustrating several investigations in an organization, followed by a discussion of each step in the phase, with details, recommendations, and concerns to consider.

The new, proven investigation process model emphasizes critical thinking, systems approach, and risk-management. The story illustrates some of the complexities and realities we face with investigations, followed by details, recommendations, concerns, and examples.

"In my 25+ years of conducting workplace investigations, this is the best, comprehensive, awesome systematic approach I have seen. I am excited to recommend to all HR professionals." -- Lori Engel, President/CEO at Ultimate HR - Ultimate Challenge

“Finally, a book on workplace investigations you'll WANT to read. Max and Christine figured out how to write an engaging book on what is often a legalistic (and boring) topic. Instead this book tells the story of a dramatic week in the life of an HR department while introducing a terrific model for investigating workplace incidents. They combine realistic examples of investigations (including common mistakes investigators make) with practical advice and tools for doing a solid investigation. Up-to-date, practical and entertaining. Highly recommended!” -- Phillip Wilson: Author, Speaker, and Labor Relations Expert at Labor Relations Institute and Approachable Leadership

“A juxtaposition of investigative techniques and relatable illustrations that should help any manager or HR professional evaluate and hone their skills. Following Michelle through several investigations step by step is exciting! The multiple investigations allow you to see the whole process and how the different stages apply depending on the situation. You can easily insert yourself into the story and visualize what steps you would take. It is extremely practical and helpful to see the instruction and explanation used as a commentary on a given investigation example. A must read!” -- Anna Morrison: HR professional and former business owner

“As a ‘beginner’ investigator without much practice, this book is a perfect resource to help me conduct a complete and fair investigation.” -- Tiffany Gamblin: HR professional

Max’s HR experience includes teaching, consulting, as a business partner and as a director. He is also a U.S. Air Force Veteran who specialized in security, law enforcement, and anti-terrorism.

Max served as the Chair of the Central Oklahoma Workforce Investment Board and was appointed as Commissioner to the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission.

Max’s education includes a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Public Administration in Human Resources. He is certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and a Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP).

Christine brings a fresh approach to the legal issues facing businesses today. Her experience spans from years as a business owner, a volunteer on many local and national non-profit boards, service as a judicial law clerk, lecturing and teaching on business and litigation-related topics, and representing businesses and management in lawsuits brought by former and current employees. This experience allows her to understand both the legal and practical issues at play in a particular situation and assist an organization with practical, user-friendly advice on navigating it.

She has served as the Chairperson of the Oklahoma Bar Association Labor & Employment Section, was named as one of Oklahoma’s Achievers Under 40 (Class V, 2008), an Oklahoma Super Lawyer: Employment & Labor (2014) and has won numerous leadership awards.

She is certified as a Senior Human Resource Professional and a SHRM - Senior Certified Professional, and has taught courses for a number of years to assist others in achieving such certifications.