Surveys young business practitioners regarding challenging work-related communication episodes. Reports primarily face-to-face oral events requiring the respondent to function as an advocate or to manage conflict. Notes that both gender and first language correlated with responses. Calls for management communication courses to give attention to…

The "Confessions" of St. Augustine is important as a record of the process and results of the struggle between cultures of Athens and Jerusalem as a confrontation between classical and biblical learning. As such, it models an approach to the multicultural tensions of today. An example is given in cultural conflicts between Islam and Christianity.…

Examined how conflictual and positive sibling relationship qualities differed for fourth, sixth, and eighth graders. Found that several prosocial relationship qualities were lower for sixth graders and higher for eighth graders. Perceptions of relationship qualities differed by gender composition, with boy-boy dyads reporting lower levels of…

Examines sibling socialization of moral orientation (care and justice) during property disputes in 40 dual-parent families with two children, aged 2 and 4 years old. Reveals that the children preferred justice orientation, its use increasing with age, when suggesting how property disputes should be resolved. Includes references. (CMK)

Instead of relegating their assistant principal to discipline and attendance, the Frankfurt (West Germany) American High School restructured the AP role to focus on instructional leadership, employee supervision, collegiality, training, and positive student interactions. Conflict resolution, lunchtime intramurals, town hall meetings, and a…

Describes a suit against the East Lansing (Michigan) Schools, brought by conservative religious parents dissatisfied with counseling, music, and conflict-resolution activities provided for their third-grade son. The plaintiffs' action failed. The Hatch Act has limitations. However, there is strong public sentiment against entrusting schools with…

Research shows that most conflicts between elementary children are rooted in some form of miscommunication. This article makes suggestions for warding off conflicts by improving communication skills, recommending that teachers first model good listening skills, then try several activities that help students practice careful communication skills…

Constructive tension can be healthy for an organization. Although win-lose solutions based on adversarial strategies are common, the management of conflicts in schools should focus on win-win problem solving, which requires creativity. Identifies collaboration as the most desirable conflict resolution strategy, and discusses conflict management…

This article describes a conflict resolution and peer mediation program implemented in three middle schools. The program used a school-wide conflict resolution curriculum and enlisted a core group of trained peer mediators in each school. A resolution acceptable to disputing parties was reached more than 95 percent of the time. (Contains 11…

Notes the value of using simulations to teach negotiation in business communication classes. Offers advice for designing and writing effective simulations. Describes a favorite simulation written by the author, and illustrates with it the process of teaching a simulated negotiation. (SR)

Presents five group problem-solving initiatives for use in adventure and experiential settings, focusing on conflict resolution, corporate workplace issues, or adjustment to change. Includes target group, group size, time and space needs, activity level, overview, goals, props, instructions, and suggestions for framing and debriefing the…

Describes the strategies used in a program to enhance primary school students' perspective-taking. Suggests using I-messages to help children resolve conflicts, using active listening during sharing time, developing caring relationships, and providing opportunities for social interaction. (KB)

Examined Blacks' and Whites' conflict coping preferences using a scenario that manipulated an offender's race. In one study, Blacks more than Whites preferred behaviorally expressive conflict management and eschewed more reserved tactics. People were less confrontational with offenders of their same racial group. In another study, there was weaker…

What are the lessons young people will learn from how adults in their lives deal with terrorist strikes on the United States? What lessons will be learned about justice compassion, and revenge? This article discusses the responsibilities adults have in helping children cope with and understand the recent terrorist attacks. (Author)

Presents and discusses a study of 129 first-year composition students that identifies both their expectations and frustrations. Focuses on how such results demonstrate students' ambivalence about classes and educators as well as their ability to function as effective writers. (SG)