Conflict resolution training programs: Implications for theory and research

Abstract

Interest in methods of conflict resolution has grown significantly in the last decade (Pruitt and Kressel, 1985). Some of the more prominent developments include the emergence of public sector labor mediation, family and divorce mediation, and judicial and public resource mediation. This interest is also reflected in the number of courses included in the curricula of schools of law and business, graduate programs in sociology and social psychology, and in inter-disciplinary programs focusing on conflict resolution. Additionally, many professionals and lay people in a variety of occupations indicate a strong desire to acquire skills in conflict resolution (Sandole and Sandole-Staroste, 1987). To meet these needs, researchers, theorists, teachers and practitioners in academic and nonacademic settings are holding conferences, conducting research, produc­ ing papers, and offering many types of short courses and training programs with such titles as ''The Craft of Negotiation,'' ''Mediation of Family and Divorce Conflict, and Methods of Alternative Dispute Resolution. In this article I shall examine four conflict resolution training programs in an attempt to determine to what extent the assumptions, approaches, prin­ ciples and theories underpinning these programs could form the basis of an economical model that could effectively train a variety of people and groups. Is there a set of necessary principles for teaching people how to be con­ flict resolvers? Are there methods of training that encourage the skill develop­ ment of potential conflict resolvers? How should training programs be evaluated? Are criteria being developed for appraising the effectiveness of training? The training programs discussed here-each selected because of its dis­ tinctive purpose-were offered by expert practitioners for experienced as well as would-be negotiators and mediators. My analysis of the training programs is based on observations of and consultations with trainers and participants, and on my own direct participation in the trainings.