Changing Forest Service’s harassment culture means changing behavior, including leadership

The newly installed chief of the U.S. Forest Service has promised to change the agency's culture of widespread harassment, misconduct and retaliation. But what...

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Vicki Christiansen, newly-appointed chief of the U.S. Forest Service, has a difficult job. She’s promised Congress a change within the agency’s culture that has led to widespread harassment, misconduct and retaliation. Bob Tobias, professor in the Key Executive Leadership program at American University, has studied organizational and cultural change for decades. He joined Federal Drive with Tom Temin to provide some advice for the Forest Service leadership.

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    Vicki Christiansen is shown in this 2012 photo when Christiansen served as interim regional forester for Region 1, based in Missoula, Mont. Christiansen, the U.S. Forest Service’s new chief is pledging to rid the agency of sexual harassment and discrimination amid fresh revelations of misconduct within its ranks. Christiansen acknowledged to a congressional panel on Thursday, Nov. 15, 2018, that the Forest Service is in need of a culture change. She pledged to enact new systems and overhaul existing processes to ensure a safe and functional work environment. (John Crepeau/The Missoulian via AP)

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