The selective perception theory is that we will ignore stimuli that do not align with our existing beliefs or attitudes to focus on the ones that do. Selective perception is not inherently a bad practice, but over-reliance on it can lead to cognitive dissonance and a warped understanding of reality. When we are in situations …
Understanding the aftermath of the mediation process, mediation results, and how long after mediation you can go to court is a vital step in deciding the ADR route. By now, you have likely encountered the mediation process somehow, either by personal experience or its recent rise in alternative dispute resolution circles. Mediation allows the parties …
The idea that conflict will have either constructive or destructive results is the main thesis behind Morton Deutch’s The Resolution of Conflict. Deutch’s 1973 work paved the way for much further sociological and psychological research on the effects of conflict and how it can influence our lives. Understanding this model can be key to working with …
One of the best ways to learn about a topic is through examples; ineffective communication is no different. Unfortunately, many people struggle to identify ineffective communication because the examples they have been given are either too obvious, unhelpful, or so specific to a situation that they are not replicable in the real world. Because of …
When the parties use interest-based negotiation, they often reach an agreement that all of them are content with walking away from the table. This is because they focus on identifying interests and creating value for each other as they negotiate. This article will outline the technique of conflict resolution, how it is used, and why …
What happens in mediation? Mediation has become a vital part of the conflict resolution system, yet many people have not experienced mediation, nor do they understand the process. This can cause people to decide not to participate or have many reservations about it. It can also feel overwhelming because the people involved may not know …
Negative sum games – what does it mean? While most people attend a mediation or negotiation hoping to walk away with the most possible value, when the goodwill between the parties breaks down, they may leave the table with little to nothing to show for their work. When both parties leave the table feeling as …
A coalition is a group of individuals or organizations that come together with a common purpose or to pursue a shared goal. In today’s complex and interconnected world, the power of collective action has never been more evident. Whether it’s addressing climate change, advocating for social justice, or influencing policy changes, the challenges we face …
Consensus building, in a nutshell, means coming to an agreement. One of the quickest ways for a project or idea to fizzle out is to have a major disagreement about the plan or execution. When the group is not on the same page, it is difficult to move forward, let alone accomplish an upcoming task. …
In the vast landscape of sociological theories, few have been as influential or as widely discussed as social conflict theory. Rooting its origins in the works of Karl Marx and extending through various adaptations and interpretations, social conflict theory offers a lens through which to understand the dynamics of society and the inherent conflicts that …