Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Conflict management Mediation'

The purpose of this study is to describe and provide a critical review of a program called peer mediation currently adapted by a Montreal Area Anglophone School Board or MAASB. This program was implemented to address the growing incidence of violence and conflict within MAASB high schools. This study focuses on the objectives that the MAASB established in addressing the problem of violence in their high schools and the peer mediation programs' ability to meet these objectives based on the claims it purports to. Described and examined in this study is the setting in which peer mediation becomes a suitable "response" to conflict and violence in high schools and including: the role and responsibilities of schools; some of the sources and causes of violence; some of the challenges facing adolescents; and the links between violence as the problem, peer mediation as a possible solution, and the role schools play to make this happen. Of specific interest and addressed in this study is whether or not the peer mediation program is resolving violence and conflict at the source, or if the program serves primarily as problem management. Following a qualitative approach to research, observation and interviews were conducted using semi-structured and open-ended methods. This study also includes some recommendations for further research.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--George Mason University, 2007.
Title from PDF t.p. (viewed Jan. 21, 2008). Thesis director: Agnieszka Paczynska Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Conflict Analysis and Resolution. Vita: p. 375. Includes bibliographical references (p. 350-374). Also available in print.

The focus of this thesis was around two questions: "Do mediators commonly share a personality typology?" and "Does personality type affect mediators' perceptions of disputants' goals?" The findings of this study have several implications for conflict management and its practitioners. For instance, consideration of one's own personality type can lead to deeper understanding of one's own biases and help develop mediator neutrality. Studies about mediation practitioners can also provide information about this under-represented group for use in career counseling, as well as in public education. This research suggests that 71% of this group of mediators shared preferences in both the intuition and feeling dimensions, and 42% shared the three dimensions of intuition, feeling and perceiving. According to MBTI literature, individuals who favor intuition tend to focus on relationships and look at the big picture and the connection between the facts. Individuals who prefer to use feeling in decision-making tend to be sympathetic, compassionate, and people-focused. Individuals who prefer to use perceiving tend to be spontaneous and enjoy trusting their resourcefulness in adapting to the demands of a situation. This study also investigated potential personality affects on mediators’ perceptions of disputants' conflict goals. Personality dimensions, mediator experience, and scenario outcomes were assessed and a statistically significant relationship was found between the intuition dimension and relational goals in one of the four scenarios. Some significant relationships were also found in another of the four scenarios between mediator experience and preferred scenario outcome. The study group was a small interagency group of workplace mediators called Shared Neutrals, who mediate disputes in Oregon and Washington. The design of the study was different from past studies in its use of contextual conflict scenarios; in the form of an author-developed questionnaire; similar to those used in the medical field to test clinician responses. The study was limited by the restriction of range of the group, by the subjectivity of the author-developed questionnaire, and by the statistical limitations of the MBTI. Some suggestions are made for future studies, including consideration of factors such as type of training, gender, group dynamics and socialization.

This project suggests a method of conflict analysis, anchored in Bourdieu's social theory, that weds approaches within sociological, political, and international relations theory. I focus on the contemporary conflict between the French state, and the substantial population considered "foreign" within France. This tension has regularly exploded into physical confrontation, most notably in the fall of 2005, though violence has been a persistent feature of the urban periphery for more than two decades. Moreover, tensions within France have often been co-opted into a larger "East vs. West" discourse, and this complex relationship is folded into an international conflict to which it may not belong. With this in mind, the project undertakes a thorough analysis of these complexities as they exist in France, proposing finally a means of transforming the conflict from violent to non-violent through a new theory of mediation.

This research study addresses the problem of determining the strategies that can be used to manage conflict effectively. To achieve this objective a comprehensive literature study was performed to determine the views on conflict and various models of conflict. The study also included the reasons for and sources of conflict and the effects of conflict on an organisation. The next step was to identify the conflict management strategies that were revealed by the literature study. The appropriate conflict handling styles, how to improve organisational practices and special rules and structures were discussed as well as various suggestions from different authors on how to resolve a conflict situation. Based on the information obtained from the literature study a model was developed to serve as a guide to organisations to manage conflict effectively. Managers from a specific organisation were requested to complete questionnaires in order to determine the strategies used by their organisation to manage conflict. The questionnaire was developed in accordance with the findings from the research. The answers of the respondents were analysed and compared to the findings of the literature study. The information obtained from the literature study and from the respondents resulted in various recommendations and conclusions. The previously mentioned model that was developed was applied to the organisation, specifically addressing the pertinent issues as indicated by the respondents.

South Africa has always been cited as an example of protracted social conflict by the analytical conflict resolution school. Given that appellation, the conflict, in terms of the understanding of that school of thought, would not have been amenable to resolution, and yet many observers hail the South African democratic transition as a miracle of transformation. This thesis, using a detailed application of the various elements of protracted or deep-rooted social conflict, demonstrates that South Africa is indeed an example of protracted social conflict. Given the application of pre-negotiation initiatives, and the establishment of a unique National Peace Accord, negotiations were enabled, and successfully delivered a democratic election, and so far, also a sustainable democracy. The establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission was the result of a realization on the part of a wide spectrum of South African leadership and conflict resolution professionals, that negotiation alone would not provide conflict resolution for South Africans, and that there was therefore an additional need to deal with the deeper issues of conflict, if the settlement were to prove sustainable. The question remains whether ours represents a successful resolution of the conflict from the theoretical perspective of the analytical conflict resolution school. A close examination of South African socio-political issues across a number of domains regarded by the analytical conflict resolution school as important, indicates that while the requirements for conflict resolution were indeed met in the South African case, their more advanced stage of resolution; conflict provention has not been satisfied. That explains the fact that many tensions, much violence and intolerance remain. South Africa’s democracy has not been infused with analytical conflict management institutions, basic human needs have not been substantially met and valued relationships remain elusive. Because protracted social conflict is cyclical, we can expect high-levels of conflict behaviour to haunt, and even threaten our fledgling democracy. It is argued here that a coherent theoretical approach to the South African conflict management process would have produced a more sustainable outcome, and we recommend the continued use and institutionalization of analytical conflict provention processes to secure the future of our country.

Dissertação de Mestrado em Administração e Gestão da Educação.
Este estudo nasce da dissertação de mestrado na área de Administração e Gestão Escolar, a partir do olhar com um espírito crítico aos factos ocorrentes dia pois dia nas diversas instituições escolares e a maneira como os docentes lidam com as mesmas situações, já que é impossível houver seres humanos sem ações. O tratamento deste tema na presente dissertação é fundamental para todos os docentes e gestores pois vem para oferecer caminhos com calços, isto é, como apoio ao trabalho quotidiano e penoso de quem se lança à educação de crianças, adolescentes e jovens. A escolha deste estudo torna bastante relevante pois os resultados obtidos contribuiu à todos os gestores/mediadores de conflitos da escola Magistério Primário de Benguela, na resolução de conflitos e na competência de lidar com os conflitos nas suas atividades profissionais. O ponto de partida para esta investigação consistiu em analisaras estratégias de mediação de conflitos na escola do Magistério Primário de Benguela, e se estas estão na base da relevância dos conflitos, metodologicamente trata-se de um estudo do tipo descritivo, de carácter exploratório e transversal, a população deste estudo foi constituído pelo corpo docente, discente e não docentes, sendo amostra constituída de forma aleatória por três turmas da 10ª classe A, B e C, correspondente a 135 alunos, dos quais 80 alunos do sexo feminino e 55 alunos do sexo masculino, e 18 professores dos quais 10 professores são do sexo masculino e 8 do sexo feminino. De forma síntese os resultados obtidos a partir desta amostra foram significativos, pois os inquiridos afirmam que os conflitos mais predominantes na escola são: conflitos aluno-aluno e professor-aluno, estes são causados por desentendimentos, briga e insultos entre alunos, desentendimentos e insultos entreprofessor-alunos, os conflitos são mediados de forma pacífica pelo facto dos mediadores usarem o método de diálogo com os alunos e conversas com os pais e estes são apontadas como estratégias usadas para a mediação dos conflitos nesta escola. Conclui-se que os conflitos por serem factos inevitáveis é necessário dialogar bastante com os conflituantes e com os encarregados de educação para buscar um equilíbrio na resolução dos mesmos, e manter uma relação positiva professor-aluno e aluno-aluno de modo evitar as suas causas.
This study is born of the dissertation in Administration and School Management area, from the look with a critical mind to the facts occurring day for day in the various educational institutions and how teachers deal with the same situations, since it is impossible there humans without action. The treatment of this theme in this work is essential for all teachers and administrators it has to offer paths with shims, that is, to support the daily drudgery and from those who assume the education of children, adolescents and youth. The choice of this study becomes very relevant because the results obtained contributed to all managers / school conflict mediators Primary Teaching of Benguela, in conflict resolution and competence to deal with conflicts in their professional activities. The starting point for this research was to analyze the conflict mediation strategies in the school of Primary Teaching of Benguela, and these form the basis of the relevance of conflicts, methodologically it is a descriptive study of exploratory nature and Cross, the study population was made up of the faculty, students and non-teaching staff, being made random sample of three classes of the 10th class A, B and C, corresponding to 135 students, of which 80 female students and 55 students male, and 18 teachers including 10 teachers are male and 8 female. So synthesis results obtained from this sample were significant because the respondents say the most prevalent conflicts at school are: conflicts student-student and student-teacher, these are caused by misunderstandings, fights and insults between students, misunderstandings and insults between teacher and students, conflicts are mediated peacefully because the mediators use the method of dialogue with students and conversations with parents and these are seen as strategies used for the mediation of conflicts in school. We conclude that the conflicts are inevitable facts is quite necessary dialogue with the conflicting and caregivers to seek a balance in solving them, and maintain a positive teacher-student and students in order to avoid its causes .
Orientação: Prof. Doutora Cristina Costa Lobo.

The aim of this study was is to examine the descriptions of expereince made by social workers from different countries regarding workplace conflict and how workplace conflict is dealt with in terms of strategies and methods of resolving it. To adress this topic the conflict theory of Lewis Coser is used. The study is conducted by the use of semi-structured qualitative interviews, where experience of five social workers in manageral positions are examined. Three of these interviewees were from Sweden and two were from Russia. The results of this study show that the social workers describe their experience and knowledge about organizational conflict in different ways and to different exents. Russian and Swedish interviewees seemed to be familiar with workplace conflict and the use different methods and strategies when dealing and preventing conflict at the workplace. The interviewees acknowledge the impact of management and leadership regarding both cause of conflict.

Thesis (M.S.)--Miami University, Dept. of Family and Child Studies, 2003.
Title from first page of PDF document. Document formatted into pages; contains iii, 73 p. Includes bibliographical references (p. 34-35).

With the end of Cold War international order entered into a period that is characterized by continuous crises and instability. Within this order European Union, like the rest of the world, felt the necessity of re-evaluating its policies since they realized that the current policies were not sufficient to meet the challenges of the new world order. As a consequence of this EU has been trying to develop its capabilities to conduct crisis management and conflict resolution. Besides, the EU intends to strengthen its influence in international relations. This thesis analyzes the EU&rsquo
s maturing capacities in managing the international security challenges and the impacts of those capabilities on the resolution of the complicated conflict in Cyprus. Within this framework this study begins with examining the basics of conflict study. Then it explores the role EU intends to play in international politics, the progress of the EU structure in conflict management and the related defence and security issues and the future prospects including the formation of European military capacities. Strategies and instruments of the EU for conflict management are analyzed. Finally it assesses the mediator role of EU in Cyprus. Possible strategies that the EU may apply in Cyprus are evaluated. Furthermore, thinking past experiences of crisis resolution within the EU framework, the study argues about application of the Aland and Belgium models in Cyprus case. The thesis concludes that with its capabilities and the determination for strengthening its role in conflict management, EU has a high chance for resolving Cyprus conflict &ndash
especially in the long-run- by using its creativity and flexibility against conflicted issues.

Free and fair elections, accompanied by smooth transitions of democratically elected leaders, constitute one of the key pillars of democracy. The dawn of democratisation and advent of multi-party politics after the end of the Cold War in 1991, seemingly held great promise for Africa. However, in recent years, many elections in Africa have consistently become a source of violence. Electoral violence is threatening to become an intractable source of conflict on the African continent, making it hard for emerging democracies to consolidate their status as free democratic societies. Many remain largely autocratic or semi-democratic. African leaders are all too often not ready to relinquish political power, while political elites are ‘power hungry’ and use violence to skew the outcomes of elections in their favour. Hence, electoral violence is employed in order to manipulate civilian election choices and outcomes. Election violence is often deliberately used to target civilians, and in countries like Kenya involves inter-ethnic clashes. These “new wars” are fought unconventionally using ‘crude weapons’, (Kaldor 2013). Kaldor describes how these ‘new wars’ are fought as intra-state (within the state) wars in developing countries. Often, they are waged via state or county networks based on identity or ethnicity. The consequences of electoral violence include the destruction of property, reversed development, injuries, rape, death, internally displaced persons and refugees. Electoral violence persists despite attempts to contain it and measures to effectively manage these processes often prove to be inadequate. The study utilises an exploratory case study of Kenya during 2007-2008 Post-Election violence. The causes, the immediate steps that were initiated to mitigate violence and the reforms undertaken to generate peace structures and prevent future occurrences of post-election violence were explored. Forty-five participants representing involved citizens, negotiators and mediators were interviewed. The research was triangulated via the interview process, together with the use of primary document analysis and an extensive review of the literature. The data was analysed via the use of grounded theory. The research findings reveal that the causes of electoral violence are multi-faceted and multi-layered, with deep underlying issues. The causes include weak institutions, corruption, a non-representational electoral system, ethnicity and ethnic militia. Further causes include statelessness as experienced by certain groups, abuse of state resources and human rights violations. The role of political elites who withhold crucial information, thus denying the public the opportunity to make informed choices during elections was also found to contribute to electoral violence. Other information-related causes include biased media and sensational reporting. Findings also show that socio-economic issues such as poverty, unemployment, scarce resources and unmet basic human needs cannot be underestimated. Lastly, the causes of electoral violence included diverse interests of internal and external actors at play during elections. The findings revealed that although the Kenyan mediation process included the signing of a peace agreement, the root causes of electoral violence such as corruption, weak institutions, abuse of state resources and the unjust electoral system were not adequately addressed. A model for mediation for electoral violence which was explored and developed sought to build on the strengths of the Kenyan mediation process and address its inherent weaknesses, thus making this a significant contribution flowing from the study. The election model for mediation proposes certain key phases which include a pre-mediation process that will ensure a cessation of all hostilities; the mapping of the root causes of electoral violence and electoral reforms that provide resolutions that are acceptable to all the parties. Training of personnel at all levels of government to implement these reforms is also proposed. These measures can ensure the integrity and independence of electoral institutions from political manipulation. Training constitutes a crucial stage in the process of consolidating the emerging democracies. The model for mediation developed is therefore not only meant to mitigate electoral violence but is also intended to serve as a preventive measure. Many African states currently experience structural weaknesses similar to those that existed in Kenya before the 2007-2008 elections (and still persist). These fault lines include corruption, weak institutions, human rights violations, and lack of information. The proposed model for mediation which aims to counter these problems can thus be applied and adapted for implementation in Africa and globally. Several recommendations with implications for policy development are proposed to curb electoral violence. They include constitutional reforms, training of government and electoral officials and the introduction of a properly representational election system. This study, which focuses specifically on post-election violence, recommends further research investigating the pre-election phase, and ‘voting day’ causes of electoral violence for a more comprehensive approach to electoral violence research.

Do conflict parties’ characteristics influence mediation onset? Using the veto player theory, this study addresses the question why and under what circumstances mediation occurs. The predictions made by veto player theory correspond with why conflicts are, or become more intense and longer (Cunningham 2006). I argue that the number of veto players influences the cost-benefit calculations of conflict actors, as low numbers of veto players limit concession making, while high numbers of veto players exacerbate information asymmetries. Therefore, I test the hypothesis that the relationship between the number of veto players and mediation onset probability is curvilinear, with medium numbers of veto players increasing mediation incidence likelihood. Using data on mediation onsets in civil conflicts for the period 1946-2003, I find across different statistical model specifications that low and high numbers of veto players impede mediation onset. The models explain and predict mediation occurrence well, but are sensitive to model specifications, i.e. the exclusion of observations does not allow the model to reproduce the same results. The findings confirm the explanatory value of conflict costs and the benefits of a dyadic conflict analysis approach, yet suggest that more research on conflict actors’ characteristics is necessary to understand mediation.

This dissertation investigates how actors without the means of state power can affect the behavior of warring parties in order to end civil conflicts. Drawing on the intervention and mediation literature, I propose a theoretical framework that presents causal mechanisms for various forms of non-state conflict management to contribute to conflict resolution. The research distinguishes between direct mediation, capacity-building, and problem-solving approaches, and analyzes the approaches’ potential contributions to shorter wars and more sustainable peace. On the one hand, non-state actors can be substitutes for governmental or inter-governmental mediators. They derive legitimacy from long-standing relations with the conflict parties, and their claims to neutrality are more believable than those of powerful states with strong national interests. Further, a confidential and deliberate process can lead to more stable agreements. On the other hand, NGOs and others can prepare or enhance ongoing high-level negotiations by giving parties the tools they need to engage with each other constructively, and by improving attitudes and changing perceptions. The data collected for this dissertation allows me to test hypotheses for the sample of African internal conflicts (1990-2010) with econometric means. Results confirm that non-state conflict management is a significant precursor to high-level mediation. I find further that conflict dyads that experience non-state conflict management in one year are significantly more likely to end in the following year. Unofficial diplomacy is significantly related to lower conflict severity, as well as to a more stable post-conflict peace. The findings challenge the common assumption that governments are the only actors in international relations that matter. In fact, non-state actors make important contributions to conflict resolution, and conflict parties as well as governmental mediators should consider cooperating with them in their search for peace.

Research studies and commentaries have analyzed the formal mechanisms associated with special education conflict such as the use of mediation and impartial hearings to resolve disputes. However, specific information regarding the management of special education conflict at the school level is in shorter supply. This study addresses special education conflicts between school personnel and parents of children with disabilities to understand better how these conflicts might be managed more successfully. The purpose of this study was to develop recommendations and implications for managing special education conflicts at the school building level. Multi-vocal synthesis methods were used to collect and to analyze data in an iterative process incorporating results from a content analysis of previous research with analysis of interviews with stakeholders having a vested interest in managing special education conflict at the school level (Gersten & Baker, 2000; Ogawa & Malen, 1992). Findings suggest that providing parents with evidence that their child’s needs are being met would pave the way for successful school-based special education conflict management. In conclusion, the participants indicated that conflicts could be avoided or managed successfully if school personnel could provide parents with clear evidence (a) that their child’s IEP was being followed in the classroom; (b) that accommodations were provided; (c) that staff were knowledgeable about providing services in an inclusive environment; (d) that administrators were knowledgeable about special education compliance issues; and (e) that staff would be held accountable for providing an appropriate education and for demonstrating trustworthy behavior.
Ed. D.

The eye of the storm is the calm center amidst chaos where, metaphorically speaking, mediators often begin their work. Recent research has advocated for a more holistic, relational, culturally inclusive approach to the mediation process. Such an approach requires conflict fluency as well as cultural fluency for effective mediation. This thesis explores how the intervention strategies of mediation may be enhanced through increased cultural understanding. Current theories of intercultural conflict transformation and intercultural communication are reviewed. Conflict fluency is understood through a mediation perspective. Cultural fluency is understood through cultural identity, cultural values, communication styles, and conflict styles. A case study follows the theoretical review of the literature. In this case study, a small community mediation center illustrates what is happening in the field today regarding the relationship between culture and conflict. The case study involves a 6 holistic analysis of the organization, seeking to understand intercultural competence at all levels. This includes an analysis of keystone materials, a survey of mediators, Intercultural Effectiveness Scale (IES) results, and interviews with mediators as well as organizational leadership. The thesis concludes with a list of recommendations that may be useful to this community mediation center as well as other similar organizations. Amongst these recommendations are potentially useful training items such as intercultural conflict styles, critical moment dialogues, and other intercultural tools designed to increase mediator competence in intercultural communication.

This is an exploration of process-oriented dialogue and how it is applied in group work and conflict facilitation. It encompasses a range of group-work applications, beginning with an investigation of useful approaches in bringing opposing parties together in dialogue situations. From there it unfolds the ways in which dialogue, in the midst of conflict, contributes to greater understanding of others' positions, and the creation of community spirit. A number of dynamics inherent in conflicting situations are explored, including the belief systems and dynamics present which deter parties from coming together to dialogue after conflict, whether interventions can help shift the attitudes of conflicting parties, whether discussion of the conflict can be useful, and the role of the facilitator. Models of conflict resolution, community building, and dialogue are introduced, and the Process Work model of group work is explored. Various case studies are described, along with surveys from two groups. The findings are analysed in the light of different paradigms and the application of process-oriented ideologies and methods and their effectiveness are critiqued
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Across four self-contained essays, this dissertation seeks to identify which features make international organizations (IOs) effective peacemakers in modern civil wars. The first essay introduces an original dataset on the institutional design of 21 peace-brokering IOs between 1945 and 2010. The second essay contains a statistical study of 122 IO civil war mediation episodes, examining how variation in institutional design affects outcomes. The third essay presents an in-depth case study, comparing interventions by the Arab League and the United Nations in Syria in 2011 and 2012. The fourth essay is a statistical examination of how IO member state biases influence mediation effectiveness. Overall, this dissertation demonstrates that the performance of peace-brokering IOs cannot be accurately evaluated without taking institutional variation into account. IOs display considerable heterogeneity in de­sign and capabili­ties and this variation has implications for the nature and effectiveness of IO interventions. Quantitative evidence reveals that IOs with strongly centralized instruments for supporting mediation and, in particular, peacekeeping operations are more likely to end civil wars. Qualitative evidence shows that IOs with such capabilities can engage in interventions of greater scope and credibility, enhancing their ability to shape the calculations of civil war disputants. Combined, the studies suggest that although institutional capabilities are necessary for sustained intervention effectiveness, they are conditioned on other organizational attributes. IOs with high preference homogeneity can signal intervention durability, giving them an edge over IOs with divided memberships. IOs that contain member states that have pro­vided direct support to civil war disputants outperform IOs that lack such member states.

This dissertation consists of four self-contained essays dealing with different aspects of conflict management by international organizations.

Essay 4 previously appeared in 2014 as “Leanings and dealings: Exploring bias and trade leverage in civil war mediation by international organizations” (International Negotiation, 19(2), 315–342).

Conflict is inevitable in school and in life. Many children lack skills necessary to resolve daily conflicts constructively. Without knowledge of positive ways to manage conflicts, violence may result. Limited research suggests that involvement in a peer mediation program may have a positive influence on children. This study assessed effects peer mediation training and mediation experience had on student mediators. The pretest-posttest, control-group, and quasi-experimental study investigated the effects of a year long peer mediation program implemented in a suburban elementary school.

Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Western Sydney, Hawkesbury, 2000.
A thesis submitted in completion of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, Department of Social Ecology, University of Western Sydney, Hawkesbury, November, 2000. Bibliography : leaves 351-358.

Just as conflict is part of everyday life, mediation can and is practiced everyday and everywhere. It is a way of reaching decisions in a cooperative, non-hierarchical way, allowing for clear and open communication processes. Conflicts can be resolved in a formal manner through courts, arbitration, ombudspeople, diplomacy and mediation, or an informal manner through friends, colleagues, religious and community leaders, and dialogue. The way in which people resolve their disputes has an impact on how societies and institutions are governed. The war in Bakassi has taken its toll on the people of that area for several years now and has witnessed people from Bakassi facing some of the worst effects of armed conflict known to man. This study investigated the use of international mediation in the management of intractable conflict with a specific case study on the Bakassi peninsula conflict between Cameroon and Nigeria. It focused on the mediation process as a conflict management technique in relation to the international relations theories which has been used as a basis for conflict resolution practices. The researcher conducted a document review, content analysis on selected documents and this was supported by strategic interviews. The findings as well as the researcher‘s recommendations are discussed in the study in order to assist the future work of conflict management specialists and other stakeholders who have devoted their efforts to the recovery of areas emerging from conflict.

En nuestro país, hasta hace unas décadas se desconocía la existencia de métodos de gestión y resolución de conflictos reglados diferentes al procedimiento judicial, a excepción del arbitraje y de algunas buenas prácticas consuetudinarias en las que se utilizaba el buen oficio de terceros, como, por ejemplo, el Tribunal de las Aguas en Valencia; también existía la conciliación previa al desarrollo del juicio, que salvo en la jurisdicción laboral había quedado relegada a ser un recurso residual, y muy pocas veces tenía efectos de terminación del procedimiento tras haberse alcanzado un acuerdo. Ante este panorama, no había más remedio que acudir al sistema adversarial para resolver los conflictos jurídicos que se producían en las relaciones entre las personas en el desarrollo de la vida tanto en el ámbito individual como colectivo. Y desde hace algún tiempo el sistema jurisdiccional se revelaba insuficiente para “absorber” la totalidad de las situaciones de conflicto que se producían de forma habitual en la sociedad; la complejidad de las relaciones interpersonales y la abundancia de situaciones donde se producen los conflictos, dada la evolución y las grandes transformaciones sociales de los últimos años. La implantación de la mediación en el ámbito civil y mercantil a partir de la publicación de la Ley 5/2012, de 6 de julio, de mediación en asuntos civiles y mercantiles, como método alternativo y/o complementario de la gestión y solución de conflictos, debería mejorar la eficacia en la búsqueda de solución a los conflictos planteados y su gestión de un modo más eficiente y rápido, evitando todos los inconvenientes que se producen en sede judicial cuando no queda más remedio que acudir al procedimiento judicial. Las ventajas más importantes son: el ahorro de costes y tiempo en relación al procedimiento judicial tradicional; una solución que supone una menor carga emocional para las partes en conflicto y que redundará en la posible continuación de las relaciones en el futuro, y todo ello facilitará sentar los principios para cambiar la cultura litigiosa existente en nuestro país, por una más conciliadora que suponga una mejor convivencia y una transformación pacífica de la sociedad, sin olvidar la descarga de asuntos con el consiguiente alivio de los órganos jurisdiccionales. Todo ello garantizará que los ciudadanos puedan solucionar sus controversias de forma rápida y eficaz y contribuirá a un mejor funcionamiento del sistema generando un mayor dinamismo de nuestra economía. Aunque no podemos olvidar la urgente necesidad de adaptar y modernizar nuestras leyes procesales y de incrementar el número de órganos judiciales para agilizar un sistema jurisdiccional que adolece de falta de personal, lentitud excesiva por la escasez de medios y de la abundante burocracia para llegar a resolver las controversias planteadas ante los tribunales de justicia. La mediación, por lo tanto, es una alternativa diferente para la solución de los conflictos a todos los niveles que tienen que afrontar los ciudadanos; se pueden resolver los conflictos de forma dialogada y con una actitud proactiva encaminada a encontrar una solución a sus diferencias con un mayor grado de satisfacción y bienestar, puesto que serán los propios implicados quienes ideen la solución a su conflicto, creando menos fricciones y evitando las situaciones más dolorosas y conflictivas para ellos y para su entorno, buscando una salida pacífica y consensuada. Y esta forma de resolver los conflictos no acarrea solo beneficios a las personas que lo utilizan a nivel individual, por solventar sus controversias de una manera más útil, rápida y eficaz, sino que sirve para que las controversias se pacifiquen y esto redundará en unas relaciones más eficientes que implicarán una sociedad más pacífica y con una menor tendencia a la confrontación con la consiguiente reducción de la hostilidad en nuestra sociedad.
Al nostre país, fins fa unes dècades es desconeixia l'existència de mètodes de gestió i resolució de conflictes reglats diferents al procediment judicial, a excepció de l'arbitratge i algunes bones pràctiques consuetudinàries en les quals s'utilitzava el bon ofici de tercers com ara el Tribunal de les Aigües a València; també existia la conciliació prèvia al desenvolupament del judici, que llevat a la jurisdicció laboral havia quedat relegada en ser un recurs residual, i molt poques vegades tenia efectes de terminació del procediment després d'haver arribat a un acord. Davant d'aquest panorama, no hi havia més remei que acudir al sistema adversarial per resoldre els conflictes jurídics que es produïen en les relacions entre les persones en el desenvolupament de la vida tant en l'àmbit individual com en el col·lectiu. I des de fa algun temps el sistema jurisdiccional es revelava insuficient per a "absorbir" la totalitat de les situacions de conflicte que es produïen de forma habitual a la societat; la complexitat de les relacions interpersonals i l'abundància de situacions on es produeixen els conflictes, donada l'evolució i les grans transformacions socials dels darrers anys. La implantació de la mediació en l'àmbit civil i mercantil a partir de la publicació de la llei 5/2012, de 6 de juliol, de mediació en assumptes civils i mercantils, com a mètode alternatiu i / o complementari de la gestió i solució de conflictes, hauria de millorar l'eficàcia en la recerca de solució als conflictes plantejats i la seva gestió d'una manera més eficient i ràpid, evitant tots els inconvenients que es produeixen en seu judicial quan no queda més remei que acudir al procediment judicial. Els avantatges més importants són: l'estalvi de costos i temps en relació al procediment judicial tradicional; una solució que suposa una menor càrrega emocional per a les parts en conflicte i que redundarà en la possible continuació de les relacions en el futur, i tot això facilitarà establir els principis per canviar la cultura litigiosa existent al nostre país, per una més conciliadora que suposi una millor convivència i una transformació pacífica de la societat, sense oblidar la descàrrega d'assumptes amb el conseqüent alleugeriment dels òrgans jurisdiccionals. Tot això garantirà que la ciutadania pugui solucionar les seves controvèrsies de forma ràpida i eficaç i contribuirà a un millor funcionament del sistema de justicia generant un major dinamisme de la nostra economia. Tot i que no podem oblidar la urgent necessitat d'adaptar i modernitzar les nostres lleis processals i d'incrementar el nombre d'òrgans judicials per agilitzar un sistema jurisdiccional que pateix de falta de personal, lentitud excessiva per l'escassetat de mitjans i de l'abundant burocràcia per arribar a resoldre les controvèrsies plantejades davant els tribunals de justícia. La mediació, per tant, és una alternativa diferent per a la solució dels conflictes a tots els nivells que han d'afrontar els ciutadans; es poden resoldre els conflictes de forma dialogada i amb una actitud proactiva encaminada a trobar una solució a les seves diferències amb un major grau de satisfacció i benestar, ja que seran els propis implicats els que ideen la solució al seu conflicte, creant menys friccions i evitant les situacions més doloroses i conflictives per a ells i per al seu entorn, buscant una sortida pacífica i consensuada. I aquesta forma de resoldre els conflictes no implica només beneficis a les persones que l'utilitzen a nivell individual, per solucionar les seves controvèrsies d'una manera més útil, ràpida i eficaç, sinó que serveix perquè les controvèrsies es pacifiquin i això redundarà en unes relacions més eficients que implicaran una societat més pacífica i amb una menor tendència a la confrontació amb la conseqüent reducció de l'hostilitat a la nostra societat.
In our country, until recently the existence of methods of management and resolution of regulated conflicts different from the judicial procedure was unknown, with the exception of arbitration and some customary good practices in which the good office of third parties was used, such as the «Water Court’ in Valencia»; there was also the conciliation prior to the development of the trial, which, let alone the labor jurisdiction, had been relegated to be a residual remedy, and very rarely had the effects of terminating the procedure after an agreement had been reached. Against this background, there was no choice but to go to the adversarial system to resolve the legal conflicts that occurred in the relationships among people in the development of life, both individually and collectively. And for some time the jurisdictional system proved to be insufficient to “absorb” all the conflict situations that take place regularly in society; the complexity of interpersonal relationships and the abundance of situations where conflicts occur, given the evolution and the great social transformations of recent years. The implementation of mediation in the civil and commercial field as of the publication of law 5/2012, July 6, on mediation in civil and commercial matters, as an alternative and / or complementary method of conflict management and resolution, should improve the effectiveness in the search for a solution to the conflicts raised and their management in a more efficient and faster way, avoiding all the inconveniences that occur in the judicial rooms when there is no choice but to go to court proceedings. The most important advantages are: cost and time savings in relation to the traditional judicial procedure; a solution that supposes a lower emotional burden for the parties in conflict and that will result in the possible continuation of relations in the future, and all this will facilitate the establishment of the principles to change the litigious culture existing in our country, for a more conciliatory one that supposes a better coexistence and a peaceful transformation of society, not forgetting the discharge of issues with the consequent relief of the jurisdictional bodies. All of them will ensure that citizens can resolve their disputes quickly and efficiently and will contribute to a better functioning of the system, generating greater dynamism in our economy. Although we cannot forget the urgent need to adapt and modernize our procedural laws and increase the number of judicial bodies to expedite a jurisdictional system that suffers from lack of personnel, excessive slowness due to the lack of means and the abundant bureaucracy to resolve the disputes raised before the courts of justice. Mediation, therefore, is a different alternative for resolving conflicts at all levels that citizens have to face; conflicts can be resolved in a dialogic manner and with a proactive attitude aimed at finding a solution to their differences with a greater degree of satisfaction and well-being, since it will be those involved who will devise the solution to their conflict, creating less friction and avoiding more painful and conflictive situations for them and their environment, seeking a peaceful and consensual way out. And this way of resolving conflicts does not only bring benefits to the people who use it individually, to solve their disputes in a more useful, fast and effective way, but it also serves to ensure that the disputes are pacified and this will result in relationships more efficient that will imply a more peaceful society and with a lower tendency towards confrontation, with the consequent reduction of hostility in our society.

Conflict management style preference and use of mediation within the Black population in the United States (US) is not well understood. The purpose of this study is to find out if there is a significant difference in conflict management style preference and use of mediation by African Americans and Afro-Caribbean (Jamaicans) living in the United States. Based on Hofstede's theory of individualism-collectivism cultural orientation, the US culture emphasizes individualism while Jamaica’s culture emphasizes collectivism. Responses were collected from 108 African American and Jamaican respondents anonymously, of which 96 were deemed usable. The Rahim (1983) Organizational Conflict Management Style Inventory was used to collect data on the five styles and was analyzed with the appropriate statistic test. A thematic analysis was used to analyze the text-based data gathered from the two open-ended questions at the end of the survey. The thematic analysis revealed two major themes: personal and workplace relationship conflict situations. It is recommended that future study includes three groups of Blacks instead of two groups. The preferred conflict management style from the combined group result is the compromising style. A significant difference was found in the obliging and compromising conflict management styles between African Americans and Jamaicans. No significant difference was found between the groups’ conflict management style and willingness to use mediation. The open-ended questions and individual textual description of conflict experience and willingness to use mediation were used to clarify the quantitative results and provide a better understanding of the similarities and differences among people of African descent from different cultural orientations.

This thesis uses an action research methodology to develop a framework for improving independent scholarly reporting about interventions addressing social or environmental conflict. As there are often contradictory interpretations about the causes and strategic responses to conflict, the problem confronting scholar-reporters is how to address perceptions of bias and reflexively specify the purpose of reporting. It is proposed that scholar-reporters require grounding in conventional realist-based social theory but equally ability to incorporate theoretical ideas generated in more idealist-based peace research and applied conflict resolution studies. To do this scholar-reporters can take a comparative approach systematically developed through an integrated framework as described in this thesis. Conceptual and theoretical considerations that support both conventional and more radical constructions are comparatively analysed and then tested in relation to a case study. In 2000 Aboriginal people throughout South Australia deliberated whether their native title claims could be better accorded recognition through conservative court processes or a negotiation process to allay deep-seated conflict. The author, in a scholar-reporter capacity, formulated a report attributing meaning to this consultative process. As such a report could have been formulated according to alternative paradigms, methodological approaches and theoretical frameworks, the analysis of the adopted framework highlights how different approaches can bias the interpretation of the process and prospects for change. Realist-based conservative interpretations emphasise 'official' decision-making processes where legitimacy is expressed through political and legal frameworks based on precedent. Idealist-based interpretations emphasise that circumstances entailing significant conflict warrant equal consideration being given to 'non-official' 'resolutionary' problem-solving processes where conflict is treated as a catalyst for learning and outcomes are articulated as understanding generated about conflict and how different strategies can transform it. The developed integrated framework approach establishes the independence of scholarly reporting. Its purpose goes beyond perpetuating scholarly debate about alternative 'objective' understandings of conflict; it focuses primarily on communicating a more inclusive understanding of the contradictions inherent in a particular conflict. It increases the capacity to understand when, where, why and how conflict precipitates social change, and articulates possibilities for reconceptualising what might be the more sustainable direction of change.

A presente dissertação tem como objetivo primordial analisar e compreeender o papel do Diretor escolar na gestão de conflitos numa Escola Secundária do Ensino Geral do primeiro ciclo (Nº 7056). Liderança, mediação, gestão e conflitos são aspetos desenvolvidos ao longo do estudo. Os entrevistados referem como fundamental, as competências pessoais que se traduzem na tendência do diretor para se afastar do conflito, deixando para mais tarde problemas pertinentes. Constatou-se que as condições de trabalho são consideradas razoáveis, assim como as relações humanas, a organização de trabalho e o salário. Quanto à metodologia usada para a concretização dos objetivos traçados e para a análise dos resultados, primou-se por uma investigação de natureza quantitativa e qualitativa recorrendo a entrevistas e questionários como instrumentos de recolha de dados para que pudessemos aceder ás representações dos vários participantes da investigação; ABSTRACT: THE ROLE OF SCHOOL DIRETOR IN CONFLICT MANAGEMENT: THE CASE WITH TEACHERS AND STUDENT AT SCHOOL 7056-LUANDA This work has as main objective to analyze and compreeender the role of the school Director in managing conflicts in the General Instruction of the first cycle (No. 7056) Secondary School. Leadership, mediation and conflict management aspects are developed throughout the study. Respondents refer to as basic, personal skills which translate into trend director to depart the conflict, leaving to later relevant problems. It was found that the working conditions are considered reasonable, as well as human relations, organization of work and wages. Regarding the methodology used to achieve the stated objectives and to analyze the results, it is excelled by an investigation of quantitative and qualitative using interviews and questionnaires as instruments for collecting data so we could access the representations of the various participants in the research .

In today’s world, people from various cultures interact on a daily basis on a number of occasions. During these intercultural encounters, conflicts often arise. Intercessors are needed to help people navigate these types of disagreements. Mediators are considered some of these peacekeepers. This thesis engaged with mediators at a mediation center in the Midwestern United States in order to understand what strategies seemed most effective.

I examined the research that scholars have conducted regarding building rapport through utilizing respect and face issues, as well as nonverbal behavior. In addition, I explored the connection between the understanding of these factors and intercultural competence and intercultural conflict competence.

The purpose of this thesis was to see how these mediators understood and valued respect and face issues, including nonverbal behavior, when building rapport with parties in mediations. These mediators were engaged in two manners, via survey and interview questions. The intercultural competence of the mediators in these domains was also explored.

The results of the research in this thesis showed how the mediators were skilled in some areas, such as in rapport building and respect issues. It further revealed that they were in need of some skills for their toolbox, such as training on face issues and nonverbal behavior, including silence, tone of voice, and eye contact. Detailed recommendations for the mediators are provided. Future research is encouraged: A group of mediators that have exhibited intercultural competence should be selected in order to test their intercultural conflict competence.

Many colleges and universities throughout the United States have a long history of encouraging and maintaining a diverse community of international students and scholars on their campuses. As a result of the interaction within this great mix of cultures, interpersonal conflict of an intercultural nature has understandably developed. To cope with the conflicts between cultures, many institutions have developed intercultural mediation programs and resources. This research examines what some U.S. universities do to respond to the issue of international student and scholar intercultural conflict mediation and resolution. The study was designed to explore the different types of resources and services that have been developed and to study some of them in greater detail to gain a better understanding of their approaches and resulting issues and successes. The overall objective of this research was to learn how the various ways mediation programs offered at the selected universities work in practice. The literature review was created to gain an overall understanding of conflict styles and conflict resolution approaches that are relevant to the many cultural groups who are in need of the mediation. My data collection process focused on how colleges and universities incorporate mediation programs into the campus at large. Data was gathered through 12 interviews with administrators who have experience working in the intercultural conflict mediation and resolution area; these programs were at the Universities of Washington and Minnesota, and Nevada, Reno and Michigan. From the interviews and the literature review, an annotated bibliography and guidelines were created to provide insights and recommendations for consideration by intercultural conflict mediation and resolution programs at educational institutions throughout the United States.

La pretensión del trabajo es plantear algunas cuestiones fundamentales, alrededor de algunos aspectos de la regulación de la mediación en asuntos civiles: 1. Reconstruir el itinerario que ha seguido el proceso de regulación de la mediación y sus fases. Pretender partir de la mediación como hecho prejurídico, social e histórico y de qué modo se ha configurado el proceso de regulación que da lugar a una norma como la Ley 5/2012, de 6 de julio, de mediación en asuntos civiles y mercantiles. Se tratará de responder a la pregunta «cómo ha llegado a ser regulada la mediación». El capítulo 2 y el capítulo 3 del presente trabajo se encargan de estas preguntas. 2. Identificar en la regulación de la mediación sus principios y sus objetivos, sus fines. Describir cuáles son y cómo han influido en el resultado de la regulación. Importan los principios y objetivos declarados por la propia regulación: las recomendaciones del Consejo de Europa, como normas soft law, las directivas de la Unión Europea, la ley española de mediación en asuntos civiles y mercantiles y, en menor medida, la ley catalana de mediación civil privada. Se tratará de responder a la pregunta «para qué la mediación». En el capítulo 4 se desarrollan estas cuestiones. 3. Si la mediación es esencialmente una forma autocompositiva de resolver litigios y si la regulación jurídica de la mediación que se estudiará ha tenido como objetivo fundamental alentar la autocomposición y en qué grado lo ha conseguido o no. La forma esencialmente autocompositiva de la mediación es estudiada en el capítulo 5 del trabajo. 4. Si la mediación es jurídicamente posible y legalmente regulada porque sirve al principio de acceso a la justicia. Es en el capítulo 6 donde se trata de resolver y ampliar esta cuestión. 5. Si la figura del tercero mediador ha sido especialmente tenida en cuenta en el proceso de regulación, cómo lo ha sido y cuáles son las características de un hipotético estatuto legal del mediador, si lo hay. El examen de la figura del tercero mediador se desarrolla en el capítulo 7, en el que se también se analizan algunas cuestiones derivadas como las referidas a aspectos deontológicos, sancionadores y profesionales de las personas mediadoras. 6. Si en la elección de objetivos, principios fundamentales y estrategias que hace la regulación que se ha ocupado de la mediación subyace algún tipo de racionalidad propia, algo que pueda ser identificado como una lógica intrínseca a la mediación, algo que pudiera identificarse con una posible racionalidad de la mediación. Y si de existir una racionalidad propia de la mediación, esta es asimilable a la razón jurídica o si se ha producido un proceso de convivencia, de intercambio, de imbricación entre racionalidad de la mediación y razón jurídica contemporánea. El capítulo 8 trata de responder estas preguntas 7. Si la mediación regulada jurídicamente puede dejarse examinar a la luz de los paradigmas del derecho moderno y, tras ese examen, qué consecuencias puede generar finalmente en realidad la regulación de la mediación. El penúltimo capítulo 9, inmediatamente anterior a las conclusiones finales del trabajo, examina esas consecuencias en la racionalidad de la mediación.

Cette thèse représente une analyse sur le rôle et la mission de l’ombudsman en tant Autorité Administrative Indépendante (AAI) et surtout s’interroger sur son utilité alors qu’il existe d’autres organes en charge de la protection non juridictionnelle des droits fondamentaux.Elle ausculte le traitement de conflits entre les administrés et les différents organes de l’administration publique, puis les origines principales des conflits, en particulier au sens normatif et sociologique du terme, en revisitant le concept de justice sociale. Il a été aussi question d’étudier la différence entre l’ombudsman et la justice et d’examiner le rôle de la médiation dans les situations conflictuelles à l’égard du droit coutumier et d’aborder « les forces et faiblesses des pratiques qui irriguent la médiation » parlementaire depuis son apparition.Nous nous sommes aussi intéressés au développement et aux techniques de l’institution, à la typologie des conflits et aux traits communs de certains types d’institutions. L’accent est aussi mis sur la culture, la consolidation de la paix et le rôle de la Médiatologie sociologique particulièrement dans l’espace scolaire.Enfin, un chapitre a été consacré à la jeunesse, l’extrémisme et le rôle que peut jouer la Médiatologie sociologique dans la prévention du conflit violent
This thesis represents an analysis of the role and the mission of the ombudsman as an independent administrative authority (AAI) and specifically questions its utility even though there are other bodies in charge of the non-judicial protection of fundamental rights.It examines the treatment of conflicts between citizens and the various organs of public administration, then the main origins of conflicts, particularly in its normative and sociological sense, by revisiting the concept of social justice. It also explores the difference between the function of the ombudsman and the justice system. It also examines the role of mediation in such situations of conflict with customary law and addresses "the strengths and weaknesses of practices that irrigate parliamentary mediation" since its creation.We also studied the development and the techniques used by the institution, the typology of conflicts and the common features of certain types of institutions, with a specific emphasis on the culture, the consolidation of peace and the role of sociological mediology particularly in the school area.Finally, a chapter was devoted to youth, extremism and the role that sociological mediology can play in the prevention of violent conflict

Thesis (MTech (Education))--Peninsula Technikon, Cape Town, 2003
Peace Education strives to provide for the promotion and building of a peaceful society. A Peer Mediation Programme is one of the strategies designed to promote Peace Education in that it provides the skills for the resolution of conflict. The main objective of this evaluation research was to evaluate the conceptualisation, the design, the implementation and the impact of a Peer Mediation Programme that is being implemented at a primary school. The literature review was an in-depth study of the existing literature relating to conflict resolution and peer mediation. The main aspects covered by the literature were the nature of conflict and how it evolved and created meaning for itself. It also examined discipline and behaviour in the context of schools and the move towards alternative behavioural programmes at schools. It defined Peace Education and outlined the use of peer mediation as an alternative behavioural strategy, which could instil positive values and skills. It finally reviewed the benefits of alternative mediation programmes and the positive effects that it would have on the stakeholders involved in the programme. The research design used was Mouton's Logical model. The research was conducted. by using qualitative and quantitative methods. The qualitative methods included five focus group interviews and two individual interviews with all the relevant stakeholders who were associated with the programme. All the relevant documentation relating to the programme was examined and analysed. The quantitative method consisted of a questionnaire which all the mediators completed. The analyses of the data led to interesting findings. The Peer Mediation Programme was well conceptualised by the different stakeholders. There was the problem of 'dual roles' for mediators that impacted on the stakeholders' conceptualisation of the programme. The school had developed a unique design which was adapted to the culture of the school. The programme was well implemented and impacted positively on the school, the mediators, the parents and the community. Community involvement, however, was lacking. While the evaluation research revealed that the programme was successfully implemented, with positive results, it was recommended that the conceptualisation of the programme be expanded on and developed in order to improve the overall understanding of the programme. It was also recommended that the design should include all grades in an adapted programme. Parents also needed to become more involved in the programme.

Under what conditions can peace be established after violent communal conflict? This question has received limited research attention to date, despite the fact that communal conflicts kill thousands of people each year and often severely disrupt local livelihoods. This dissertation analyzes how political dynamics affect prospects for peace after communal conflict. It does so by studying the role of the central government, local state and non-state actors, and the interactions between these actors and the communal groups that are engaged in armed conflict. A particular focus is on the role of political bias, in the sense that central government actors have ties to one side in the conflict or strategic interests in the conflict issue. The central claim is that political bias shapes government strategies in the face of conflict, and influences the conflict parties’ strategic calculations and ability to overcome mistrust and engage in conflict resolution. To assess these arguments, the dissertation strategically employs different research methods to develop and test theoretical arguments in four individual essays. Two of the essays rely on novel data to undertake the first cross-national large-N studies of government intervention in communal conflict and how it affects the risk of conflict recurrence. Essay I finds that conflicts that are located in an economically important area, revolve around land and authority, or involve groups with ethnic ties to central rulers are more likely to prompt military intervention by the government. Essay II finds that ethnic ties, in turn, condition the impact that government intervention has on the risk of conflict recurrence. The other two essays are based on systematic analysis of qualitative sources, including unique and extensive interview material collected during several field trips to Kenya. Essay III finds that government bias makes it more difficult for the conflict parties to resolve their conflict through peace agreements. Essay IV finds that by engaging in governance roles otherwise associated with the state, non-state actors can become successful local peacemakers. Taken together, the essays make important contributions by developing, assessing and refining theories concerning the prospects for communal conflict resolution.

Teorinėje dalyje analizuoti įvairių Lietuvos ir užsienio autorių mokslinės literatūros šaltiniai, nagrinėta konflikto samprata, ištakos, jų rūšys. Socialiniu ir pedagoginiu aspektais atskleistos mokinių ir mokytojų sąveikos problemos, ypatumai. Nagrinėti tarpasmenių santykių disbalanso raiškos veiksniai profesinėje mokykloje ir juos analizuojant bandoma atskleisti bendravimo problemų vertinimo skirtumų specifiką. Analizuota kaip abi konfliktuojančios pusės reaguoja į konfliktines situacijas, skiriasi ar sutampa mokinių ir mokytojų bendravimo problemų vertinimo specifika. Darbe atskleidžiama profesinės mokyklos mokinių ir mokytojų nuomonė apie konflikto ištakas bei socialinio pedagogo kaip tarpininko tarp konfliktuojančių pusių vaidmenį. Iškelta hipotezė, kad ypač dažnus mokinių ir mokytojų konfliktus lemia bendravimo problemų vertinimo skirtumų specifiką ir ji yra sustiprinama pedagogų elgesiu. Anketinės apklausos metodu buvo atliktas tyrimas, kurio tikslas - atskleisti bendravimo tarp mokytojų ir mokinių vertinimo skirtumų specifiką. Atlikta statistinė (aprašomoji dažnių, vidurkių, koreliacijos) duomenų analizė. Tyrime dalyvavo 260 profesinės mokyklos moksleivių ir 50 mokytojų. Svarbiausios empirinio tyrimo išvados: 1. Nustatyta, kad moksleiviai kaip pagrindinį veiksnį įtakojantį konfliktinių situacijų atsiradimą nurodo mokytojų nenorą suprasti jaunimą, o mokytojai – mokinių motyvacijos trūkumą. 2. Konfliktinių situacijų atsiradimą įtakoja sąveikaujančių pusių... [toliau žr. visą tekstą]
The final work focuses on the causes of the conflicts among vocational training participants: specifics of the relationships and preconditions for conflicts prevention. The hypothesis of the research is the following: teachers and students come into conflict due to specificity of differences in estimation of the communication problems, what are consolidated by accents of pedagogical behavior. It was derived from analysis of the scientific courses published by various Lithuanian and foreign authors and the resent researches. In conformity with these declared problems and hypothesis, the aim of the research was to develop the specific of the difference in estimation of relationship between teachers and students in vocationally oriented school. To implement this aim the following tasks and research methods were used: study the scientific literature, analysis of pedagogical working experience, analysis students’ and teachers’ opinions about causes of conflicts and impact of school sociologist in school dispute between two warring sides, observation of the reaction to the conflict, questionnaire, analysis of statistics. The research working group was formed in the vocational school, in which took part 260 students and 50 teachers. The empirical research has lead to the following conclusions: • Students identify the reasons of the conflicts as a teacher’s indisposition to understand young people, teachers stress on lack of students’ motivation. • The rise of a conflict is... [to full text]

Utilizing quantitative and qualitative methods, this in-depth ethnographic study of the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area (BSFNRRA) examines social conflict and resistance stemming from competing values, definitions, and concerns over the management of cultural and natural resources within the region. The timing of this project is fortuitous for the National Park Service (NPS) has completed the creation of a ten year General Management Plan. Thus, we are provided with an opportunity to study and analyze the policy and methodology that park officials are required to follow in creating a management plan and eliciting public participation. The first goal of this study is to ascertain how the establishment of the BSFNRRA has altered local communities: (1) means of access to the area and (2) uses of resources within the area. Several questions will be asked and probed for answers. What happens to the meanings of the land and places on the land (such as a family cemetery) when the land is transformed from private to public ownership and is managed by a government agency for the benefit of preservation or recreation? How have residents been affected by and adapted to this transformation? The second goal is to probe the complex relationships and identify sources of conflict, resistance, and cooperation between community residents, NPS employees, and special interest groups. Essential questions arise and must be addressed. How are conflict, resistance, and cooperation demonstrated? The third goal is to delineate what measures can be taken to lessen conflict or resistance and promote cooperation? Since resistance often manifests itself in not participating in public meetings pertaining to the BSFNRRA, what measures can be taken to promote public participation? In conclusion, this study will draw clear and concise recommendations towards diminishing conflict between local residents and the NPS, along with recommendations on increasing public participation in the creation of policy pertaining to the management of public land. In addition to the applied aspect of this project, this study contributes to the body of theory by building on the mentalist paradigm of symbolic interactionism and the materialist paradigms of conflict and resistance theory.

Conflict management style preference and use of mediation within the Black population in the United States (US) is not well understood. The purpose of this study is to find out if there is a significant difference in conflict management style preference and use of mediation by African Americans and Afro-Caribbean (Jamaicans) living in the United States. Based on Hofstede's theory of individualism-collectivism cultural orientation, the US culture emphasizes individualism while Jamaica’s culture emphasizes collectivism. Responses were collected from 108 African American and Jamaican respondents anonymously, of which 96 were deemed usable. The Rahim (1983) Organizational Conflict Management Style Inventory was used to collect data on the five styles and was analyzed with the appropriate statistic test. A thematic analysis was used to analyze the text-based data gathered from the two open-ended questions at the end of the survey. The thematic analysis revealed two major themes: personal and workplace relationship conflict situations. It is recommended that future study includes three groups of Blacks instead of two groups. The preferred conflict management style from the combined group result is the compromising style. A significant difference was found in the obliging and compromising conflict management styles between African Americans and Jamaicans. No significant difference was found between the groups’ conflict management style and willingness to use mediation. The open-ended questions and individual textual description of conflict experience and willingness to use mediation were used to clarify the quantitative results and provide a better understanding of the similarities and differences among people of African descent from different cultural orientations.