Notes that one criticism of invitational theory is that it does not address itself to difficult situations. Refutes this criticism by first reviewing the basic assumptions of invitational theory and then explaining how the theory can be used to handle conflicts, both minor and major, that occur in one's personal and profession life. (NB)

Investigates Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and its potential as a topic for business communication practice and research. Explores what ADR is; how mediation and ADR are used in business; how mediation and ADR are similar to and different from negotiating; and two or three essential learning points or skills to teach business students about…

In this article, Janice Wearmouth, formerly professor of education at the University of Wellington, New Zealand and now at Liverpool Hope University, Rawiri McKinney, an advocate for Rangatahi who has recently completed his Master of Education degree, and Ted Glynn, foundation professor of teacher education at the University of Waikato, discuss…

It is not easy being a principal. The principal's job is not just set the vision for a school, but also to make sure that everyone embraces that vision and works to make it a reality. In the process, principals will be occasionally be seen as "enforcers." Principals must make hard decisions, and virtually no decision is appreciated by everyone.…

A prevalent theory about the cognitive aspect of humor is that most humorous stimuli are characterized by incongruity that is first perceived and then resolved. However, the combination of incongruity and resolution is not sufficient for constituting a joke--resolution should be inadequate as well. In other words, resolution is brought about by…

Addresses some problem areas that dual-career couples encounter; reviews proposed solutions for these problems; specifies the necessary personal requirements for mastering these solutions; and suggests some of the unresolved developmental conflicts that can interfere with such mastery. (Author/ABB)

Using a network theory of emotion, the role of the evocation of emotion in emotionally focused marital therapy to create intimacy and facilitate conflict resolution is discussed. Accessing underlying primary emotional responses in partners makes available adaptive action tendencies which promote problem solving and helps change self- and…

This paper suggests an approach which combines ideas about coalitions of power in managerial organizations with a soundly based technology of management development intervention. (Author/SSH)

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)

A modified Delphi Technique can be used to reach consensus in decision making and conflict resolution. Such an approach was used in the Paramus (New Jersey) Public Schools to resolve a conflict between principals and a committee of parents, students, and specialists concerning a program for gifted and talented students. (Author/MLF)

Suggests that the divisions and animosities of the library community could be resolved through proper emphasis on access to information and resource sharing. Urban versus rural library, school versus public library, trustee versus librarian, and issues of professionalism are examined. (RAA)

The Judicial Evaluation Model (JEM) is presented as a necessary supplement to the technique developed in "The New Rhetoric: A Treatise on Argumentation" because persuasion only serves the side that wins, whereas JEM serves to keep inquiry reasonable and impartial and to enhance credibility. (CTM)

Examines a now common situation in which faculty members, in taking early retirement, create a pressing need for new faculty, which, in some cases, inflames long-standing disagreements among the department's current faculty. Explains how to negotiate the complexities of retirement in a way that minimizes tensions within a department. (TB)

Summarizes accomplishments of the United Nations over its 50-year history. Taking the principles of the United Nations to heart can help ensure that the global community is a real community in which all peoples of the world are important. (SLD)

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.…