NCJ Number
116919
Date Published
1988
Length
214 pages
Annotation
This book discusses conflict and its costs; the origin and escalation of various types of conflict; and conflict avoidance, prevention, and reduction.
Abstract
The book first discusses the importance of defining the problem lying at the root of a conflict, followed by an examination of basic theory of conflict reduction, different perspectives on conflict, and contributions of hierarchic systems. One chapter considers the role of religions in supporting a system of groups that focus on one another's differences. Another chapter begins with some practical decision rules and then discusses the problemsolving process, ways we make decisions, analytic decision methods, and joint problemsolving. A chapter addresses how to turn conflict into cooperation. Some advice on getting agreement agreeably includes not bargaining over positions, separating the people from the problem, focusing on interests rather than positions, inventing options for mutual gain, insisting on using objective criteria, and developing a best alternative to a negotiated agreement. Other topics discussed are the science of conflict reduction, preventing and avoiding conflict, controlling and ending conflict, and practical ethics. Chapter references and suggested readings.