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,…

The theory of individual preferential choice is a descriptive theory for the resolution of conflict within the individual. If there is only a single peaked preference function, it is relatively easy to find the preference. Under a multipeaked preference function, an optimal choice can be insured only after an exhaustive, costly search. Therefore,…

The role of empirical research in investigating normative ethics is examined. Normative ethics refers to a set of moral principles or values which describes not only what exists but also prescribes what should be. The theoretical work in the field of normative ethics upon which this approach is based is that of Bernard Rosen, particularly his work…

Conflict almost necessarily results from change on the part of one or both participants in a relationship. Four levels at which interaction may lead to conflict are disagreement, misunderstanding, feeling misunderstood, and failure of realization of understanding. Conflict may take place when the issue is directly salient to one partner but only…

During the 20th century, there was a growth in social concern about horrific forms of violence, like ecocide, genocide, modern warfare, ethnic hatred, racism, sexual abuse, domestic violence, and a corresponding growth in the field of peace education where educators from early child care to adult use their professional skills to warn fellow…

Four major pathways the U.S. peace movement has followed may be identified as: (1) pacifism; (2) conscientious objection; (3) antimilitarism; and (4) internationalism. Those individuals following pacifism have held a personal dedication to participate in no war or violent revolution. Conscientious objectors have held a selective objection against…

Family conflict over rights and responsibilities may result from horizontal and vertical decalage in members' development of moral reasoning abilities. The terms horizontal and vertical decalage refer to phenomena of uneven individual development within and across stages of moral reasoning. Because moral conflict involves competing claims, the…

Discussion of the need for educating students of all ages for peace focuses on principles of the Peace Studies doctoral program at Pace University (New York). Program components include: (1) inner peace spiritual awareness; (2) micro-peace studies the immediate environment; (3) macro-peace studies national and international; and (4) planetary…

This paper outlines current changes in American adoption practice and the controversies surrounding these changes. It includes a discussion of the role that neo-Kantian and utilitarian perspectives have played in American adoption policy and practice, and offers an alternative, the communitarian perspective, described by Sandel (1984). Adoption…

The actual nature of topicality as it is presented in intercollegiate debate rounds has become so split that there are two different types of topicality. The first type (T1) is a "real" argument that is subjective, intentional, absolute, jurisdictional, pragmatic, and focuses on content and product. The second type (T2) is strategic,…

Fundamentally, negotiation is a process for making decisions and is rhetorical since it is open to view and to rhetorical constructs. The rhetorical construct related to negotiation is invention, the finding of the materials, the arguments, for the discourse. For cross-cultural negotiation, one must display empathy for the varying cultures,…

John Reiff's conceptual framework regarding conflicting views of peace provides insight into interpersonal communication which can be successfully applied to conflicts in writing conferences and has already been used at the Colorado College Writing Center. First, a tutor or writer using the "Peace through Strength" frame of reference…

The role of personality make-up of those involved in problem solving, conflict resolution, classroom management, and school discipline is discussed. Three studies are presented which demonstrated personal characteristics which may appear to invite, or provide opportunity for, antisocial behavior. In the first study, psychological profiles were…

This discussion of the mentor/protege relationship in the library setting begins by examining the benefits of mentoring for both individuals and the organization. Characteristics of mentors, guidelines for self-assessment of strengths and weaknesses for a potential mentor, and protege characteristics that will attract a mentor are outlined.…

Ethical communication scholars frequently find national popular rhetoric unethical. Some proposed ethical guidelines for the public presentation of ideas call for such elements as habits of search, justice, preference for public versus private motives, respect for dissent, airing of all relevant arguments, and persuasion without coercion or…