This article discusses three broad themes--reflection, power, and negotiation--that are evidenced in all of the articles in this issue. In this article, the author tries to transgress the articles at some middling altitude to seek some broader thematics. His observations about reflection, power, and negotiation do transcend individual efforts,…

Examines the causes of conflict and various methods of managing it. Argues that by confronting disputes and providing a process that encourages their productive management, managers may help guarantee that the healthy aspects of conflict flourish in their organization. Available from Business Horizons, School of Business, Indiana University,…

This discussion of potential uses of mediation as a management and communication tool focuses on the library setting. The nature of conflict is considered, and the concept, basic principles, and applications of mediation as a form of conflict resolution are presented. The four steps in the mediation process are then described: (1) Introduction,…

Conflict within organizations must be managed to maximize its useful aspects while minimizing those that are dysfunctional. Conflict can be interpersonal or can stem from the structural characteristics of the organization. Sources of conflict include win-or-lose situations that reduce cooperation by fostering competition, incompatibility among the…

Comments briefly on the importance of recognizing values in the administrative process, makes some observations about increasing value conflicts in society, and presents an approach to leadership and decision making which takes into account value systems. Builds on Chester Barnard's definition that leadership involves technological attainments and…

Presented in the form of a debate and rebuttals are both sides of the issue, first stated by Lord Brougham in 1820, of a client's legal and moral rights to his counsel's total support. It is concluded that advocacy in law does not carry some special authority or excuse the lawyer from accepting moral responsibility for his professional choices.…

In this introduction to three articles on collective bargaining the author outlines concerns and questions about the proposition of public referendum as a means of resolving negotiation impasses. (MD)

Accountants have urged "harmonization" of standards between the Governmental Accounting Standards Board and the Financial Accounting Standards Board, recommending similar reporting of like transactions. However, varying display of similar accounting events does not necessarily indicate disharmony. The potential for problems because of…

Discusses four themes related to resolving difficulties in library personnel evaluation: (1) the importance of clearly defining performance evaluation and its goals; (2) negotiation theory for dealing with negative results of personnel evaluation; (3) development of a perspective on conflict management; and (4) assertiveness as a foundation for…

Suggests a system for classifying problems to help educators identify their problems and understand their complexity. Presents the Problem-Identification Matrix, which helps clarify the cause-and-effect relationship that exists in any problematic situation. (WD)

Efforts to achieve ethical performance within organizations should include strategic processes, structural considerations, and the behavioral systems of organizations. Outlines some of the mechanisms that may be employed by organizations to achieve higher levels of ethical performance. (27 references) (MLF)

Conflict, a common managerial problem, offers opportunities for creative and positive actions. "Win-win" conflict resolution, which occurs chiefly through compromise, contribution, and synthesis tactics, requires trust, commitment, communication, and dialog. It can be encouraged by generating positive feelings, redirecting negative…

Ethics begin personally but ultimately provide empowerment. Practicing ethical leadership requires three major interrelated activities: knowing (awareness of own and others' values); feeling (creating awareness of or sensing values and dilemmas); and acting (behavior). Ethical leadership is tested through ethical dilemmas, and practicing it…

When academic officers must settle conflicts, knowledge of the law is insufficient. Advice of counsel and formulations of law cannot substitute for their frequent and confident articulation and interpretation of well-understood professional values, because they are responsible for assuring the integrity and quality of educational programs. (MSE)

The role of the University Visitor, whose traditional function is to mediate conflict within a university and contribute to its governance, is examined in the context of Australian higher education. Medieval English ecclesiastical origins of the office are described, and calls for abolition are examined. It is argued that the office should be…