Conflict as a Field of Study and Practice
The Study of Conflict
The study of conflict goes by many names: Dispute Resolution …Conflict Management … Conflict Transformation …Collaborative Problem Solving … Consensus Building …Peace Building… and many others.
Regardless of what it is called, the study of conflict includes essential core components:
__ The causes & characteristics of conflict, both individual & systemic
__ The contexts in which conflict occurs and the importance of different contexts (e.g. family, organizational, international, or cross-cultural) as they influence the management of conflict
__ Consequences of conflict
__ Strategies for conflict prevention
__ Intervention strategies
Students of conflict explore alternative ways of coping with conflict that include:
__ The diagnosis of organizational conflict patterns and the design of better organizational processes
__ The relationship of settlement-oriented processes to decision-making processes
__ The uses and limits of training as an intervention technique
__ The political implications for management, resolution, or escalation of conflict.
The study of conflict is interdisciplinary, and draws on law, sociology, psychology, social psychology, political theory, international relations, and public policy.
Conflict Resolution Practice: Not just Mediation
One common role that conflict practitioners play is that of 3rd party neutral. Mediation is increasingly used in a variety of settings. In the legal system and in the courts, mediation is used as an alternative to, or in conjunction with, litigation. It has become increasingly prevalent in dealing with divorce and custody issues. Other areas where mediation is being used include adoption, elder care, end-of-life decision making, medical malpractice, and organizational and workplace issues.
However, the scope of work of conflict practitioners is broader than mediation. While “conflict practitioner” is not often listed in a job posting, the skills involved are highly valued in a wide variety of contexts.
Many conflict practitioners work within organizations, others as outside consultants. For some conflict resolution and management is their primary job; for others it is one of many responsibilities. Their titles are as varied as Ombudsperson, Human Resources Specialist, Nurse Manager, Division Chief, Foreign Aid Coordinator, School Principal, Environmental Specialist, or Patient Advocate. In their roles, they might:
__ Undertake a comprehensive analysis of conflict resolution systems within an organization, or help to design such systems
__ Be asked to help resolve conflicts between employees or departments
__ Facilitate meetings
__ Become involved with customer relations
__ Conduct negotiations, or coach others involved in complicated negotiations
__ Train others in conflict skills as life skills for violence prevention, advocacy, and self-advocacy.
A review of the web sites of professional organizations such as the Association for Conflict Resolution and the International Ombudsman Association can provide additional perspective about the field.
The "conflict" field is broad and varied, and anything but static. Our Alumni Profiles help illustrate the range of opportunities available.
The Dispute Resolution Graduate Programs are part of the McCormack Graduate School of Policy Studies at UMass Boston.
Upcoming Information Sessions for Prospective Students
Visit us on campus on Wednesday, November 18, 4:00-7:30 PM at the UMass Boston Graduate Studies Showcase
Take advantage of this opportunity to meet our faculty, current students, and alumni, and have an in-depth look at our program.
________________________________
Join us on Wednesday, December 2, 12:00 - 2 PM on the Grand Staircase of the Massachusetts State House
Join us for an info lunch and learn about our graduate programs on beautiful Harbor Point
________________________________
________________________________
Current Students
Beth Golibersuch
Beth Golibersuch is a Masters student in the Dispute Resolution Program with specific interests in conflicts among adolescents and adolescent groups. She began her experience in the conflict resolution field as a student mediator in her hometown of Columbia, Maryland. From there she went on to receive her Bachelors degree in Non-Violent Conflict and Change as well as Public Relations from Syracuse University. Since graduation, Beth has worked in the advertising and marketing industry in the Washington, DC area as a client service executive. She wishes to possibly move on to work with youth violence prevention and intervention programs. Beth is a research assistant for Roni Lipton and enjoys reading, traveling, cheering on her favorite sports teams, and playing with her beagle, Lucky.
Lindsay Lamarre
Lindsay Lamarre is a Masters student in the Dispute Resolution Program with specific interests in international conflicts. She is a research assistant for Professor Sascha Sheehan. Lindsay received her bachelors degree in Political Science from the University of Delaware. She has also attended learning seminars in Peacebuilding and Development at American University and Alternative Dispute Resolution at Fordham Law School. Most recently Lindsay has worked as a legal assistant in a law firm. She began her interest in the conflict resolution field as a Peer Mediator while attending high school in New Jersey. Lindsay enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends.