The Mediation Process: Practical Strategies for Resolving Conflict, 4th Edition

1Approaches for Managing and Resolving Disputes and Conflicts

disputes or conflicts occur in all human relationships, societies, and cultures. From the beginning of recorded history, there is evidence of disputes between children, spouses, neighbors, coworkers, superiors and subordinates, organizations, communities, people and their governments, ethnic and racial groups, and nations. Because of the pervasive presence of conflict and the emotional, physical, and other costs that are often associated with it, people have always sought ways to peacefully handle their differences. In seeking to manage and resolve conflicts, they have tried to develop procedures that are effective and efficient, satisfy their interests, build or change relationships ...