This study investigated the experiences of engineering students who participated in a cultural simulation activity to promote cross-cultural communication skills. A sample of 138 post-activity short reflections from a global engineering practice course were analyzed using qualitative inquiry. Results suggest that students recognize parallels…

Parents and educators strive to help their children to develop optimally. Given the diversity of values and practices among dynamic modern populations it is important to understand all the dimensions that affect the development of children in their communities. A cultural-historical lens facilitates such a holistic understanding. Taking this lens,…

The political context of curriculum and program development was acknowledged at least as early as 1949 by R.W. Taylor, who, in his seminal work on curriculum, briefly acknowledged the political nature of curriculum design. Contemporary scholars have been much more direct in acknowledging power differentials and politics in the planning process.…

Social harmony is a valued relational rule in collectivism. Using data from in-depth interviews with 20 Chinese American couples, the authors study how husbands and wives interpret and negotiate marital harmony within a multicultural context and how gender relates to this process. Although all participants appear to seek harmony, the result…

This paper examines the Ardrey Concept of territoriality -- that in his dealing with others, man is driven by a "territorial imperative" -- for its possible relevance to the design of more powerful conflict theories of organization. The importance of territoriality is explored as a conceivable precondition necessary to eventual understanding. An…

Describes a model for understanding and applying conflict management strategies using a personal power development theory. Adds conflict management styles to this theory to address the growing need for effective conflict management in higher education. Explains the approaches to conflict in each stage of the model and provides a case study. (RJM)

This monograph presents findings from an analysis of data on international conflict over a three-year period. Part of a large scale research project to test various theories with regard to their ability to analyze international relations, this monograph reports on the testing of relative status field theory on WEIS conflict data for 1966-1969 for…

Power, or influence, in educational governance is increasingly becoming diffused. Everyone in education now feels relatively powerless. A political model of decision-making, emphasizing consultation with representatives of interest groups is now appropriate. In this model, the school board functions as "meta-mediator." This modifies the…

Suggests an empirical model to test the assumption that conflict and consensus theories of organizational management can be combined, with the central concept being power. Three studies supporting the model suggest that it has considerable heuristic and empirical potential. (JW)

A detailed systems diagram elaborates the process of dealing with a single conflict episode between two parties or persons. Hypotheses are fully stated to lead the reader through the flow diagram. A concrete example illustrates its use. Detail is provided in an accounting scheme of virtually all possible variables to consider in analyzing a…

In testing a synthetic view of power, the author draws on teachers' perceptions of principals' power behaviors. Focuses on the relationships between three subtypes of power (coercion, authority, and influence) and conflict or consensus effects of power. (Author)

Good college leadership requires a kind of collaboration, it is argued, and creative collaborative work is the best route towards bold and effective leadership. Defining leadership, leadership models, leadership as problem solving, and leadership as taking a stand are discussed. (MLW)

Explores the various leadership models (structural-functional, open-systems, cultural-pluralism, interpersonal, and political) used to illuminate headteachers' work and considers the problems faced by leaders in professionally staffed organizations. School leadership activities center on managing organizational cultures and the external…

Collective bargaining is a process influenced by many factors. A review of the literature, including an assessment of Dunlop's, Smythe's, Levinson's, and Craig's models, indicates that most models of collective bargaining are partial, dealing only with some of the components of the bargaining process. A model of educational collective bargaining…

The multidimensionality of the power concept has been more systematically explicated, but research efforts continue to be primarily concerned with decision-making outcome. Perhaps the documented patterns of slightly husband-dominant, though increasingly shared or equalitarian, decision making reflect a change in normative expectations rather than…