Reviews some of the research on communication, conflict, dispute resolution, and theories of conflict. (SR)

Describes four paradigms that dominate the major research traditions in organizational communication: functionalist, interpretive, radical humanist, and radical structuralist. Argues that, although researchers rarely make their core assumptions known, their beliefs about social reality undergird the way they theorize and put into operation…

Analyzes case arguments that evolved during a ten-hour teacher's bargaining session. Indicates that case type changed through offering counterproposals, clashing on issues, and shifting arguments for and against a proposal. Reveals patterns of case development indicating which issues were resolved through problem solving as opposed to compromises…

Asserts that, because bargaining occurs on two levels--the level of the issues to be addressed and the level of the bargaining event itself--it presents a fascinating arena for applying Weick's organizing model. Applies concepts of organizing, equivocality, requisite variety, enactment, and retrospective meaning to the definition, characteristics,…

A study investigated the mode of communication and the type of information that best serves an organization's purposes during the orientation interviews of new employees. Preliminary interviews with ten new employees and ten experienced employees indicated task-related performances for oral or written organizational communications--structured…

Advocates using the construct of voice rather than paradigms, theories, and academic divisions to develop complimentary ways of understanding. Advocates taking inventory of multiple and shifting voices in reviews and critiques of the literature; connecting through exploring shifting concepts and theories; and engaging in joint actions in ways that…

Three studies were conducted to ascertain the relationship between predisposition for group work climate and the types of procedural messages that group members employ. In the studies, expectations about group work procedures fell into two categories: high procedural order (HPO) and low procedural order (LPO). Each category consisted of four…

Classifies, reviews, and critiques current literature on the role of communication in the bargaining process. Provides a review of findings within four areas: communication opportunity, information exchange, message strategies, and categories of interaction. Concludes that communication is an essential variable in bargaining research. (PD)

A study was conducted to examine the ways individuals in organizations interpreted and responded to ambiguous messages. Using Karl Weick's model of organizing, investigators measured the number of rules (criteria for taking action), the number of people, and the frequencies of message categories generated in two simulated organizations comprised…

A study examined the way argumentation in collective bargaining shapes outcomes. Specifically, it explored the types of claims and reasoning processes that characterize bargaining interaction on different subissues of a proposal and tracked the development of arguments through sequential sessions and caucus meetings by examining similarities and…

A study tested a model of bargaining rite by examining procedural rituals, organized fantasies, and ritualistic language in teachers' negotiations. Specifically, it sought to identify the communicative forms that create shared consciousness, to describe shared fantasies, to illustrate the role of group fantasy in forming rhetorical visions, and to…

Tracks bargaining interaction and the development of arguments between school administrators and teachers (on the issue of teachers' files and evaluations) through sequential sessions and caucus meetings. Examines similarities and differences in the reasoning process on subissues that are dropped, modified, or retained in the final argument. (PD)

A typology developed from case structure and argumentation theory was used in an analysis of case types that evolved in the discussion of 12 issues during a 10-hour bargaining session between negotiators for teachers and a school board. Case types in the typology were (1) need-plan, which argues for the need to change the status quo; (2)…

Verbal and nonverbal patterns of dominance in dyads formed from a group of 72 college students determined to be sex-type males, sex-type females, or androgynous individuals were investigated in the study described in this paper. The paper first notes problems in recent research on sex differences in communication, presents the research questions…

During the past 15 years, most studies dealing with communication and conflict in organizational settings have used a bargaining context while integrating assumptions from game theory, information processing, developmental approaches, and systems theory into their research designs. These studies also reflect four communication topic areas,…