Relationships are central to the profession of social work; relationships with allied disciplines, among professional social work organizations, and between classroom and field education. However, embedded within these relationships are historical tensions, and contemporary opportunities that can advance both the science of social work and the…

For the state of Washington's one-hundredth birthday, in 1989, Native peoples there decided to revive a distinctive mode of transportation--long-distance journeys by canoe--along with an entire culture associated with it. Born as the "Paddle to Seattle," during the past two decades these canoe journeys have become a summertime staple for…

Examines assumptions about groups from three perspectives: restructured nondirected interaction, exploration of reasons for group membership, and discussion of group roles. Compares facilitation and leadership and illustrates ways to be a good facilitator. (SK)

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…

A nursing staff support group run by a qualified leader can offer nurses mutual help in reducing job-related stress and managing conflict. (Author/SK)

Expert facilitators combine both diagnostic and intervention skills in eight domains: group development, goals, roles, communication, meeting management, decision making, problem solving, and conflict management. Most people can develop group facilitation skills. (SK)

Presents a model based on work by Schultz von Thun that helps to explain how to avoid misunderstandings in interpersonal communication. The model is then applied to interpersonal interactions in educational games, simulations, and workshops, and the insights it provides into how unnecessary and unintentional conflict may be avoided are discussed.…

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…

Argues that both small group behavior and writing processes are involved in the writing of group reports. (SRT)

Suggests applying an intergroup conflict management strategy to the processing of a case study as a method of teaching conflict management skills in organizational training workshops. (MS)

The author claims that open communication and extended dialog can be destructive, while bargaining and compromise can be more successful in resolving conflict. She discusses origins of the communication myth, situations where communication fails, alternatives to destructive dialogue, acknowledging incompatibility, the bargaining process, and…

No group (within an organization) can be entirely harmonious, but conflict is not an altogether disruptive factor. A delicate balance is required to obtain the advantages and restrict the disadvantages of organizational conflict. The causes and forms of organizational conflict are examined. (JMD)

Instead of a cast of characters, not unlike those of the television show "Seinfeld," school boards should be an ensemble. When a board collaborates in a trusting, positive atmosphere of mutual respect, these qualities are ultimately reflected in the classroom. Lists six questions that can help difficult boards find ways to work together. (MLF)

Explains ways to resolve training session conflicts in four contexts: supervisor/employee teams, trainee interaction during breaks, group work, and trainer/trainee interaction. (SK)

Tested Sherif and Sherif's hypotheses on intergroup competition and cooperation in a natural setting involving a scout camp for well-acquainted subjects rather than for previously unacquainted subjects. In-group solidarity showed no increase during camps, as would have been predicted by the Sherifs; indeed a decrease was found. (LLL)