Groups in Conflict

I read Ken's book, over 25 years, ago as a grad student, after meeting Ken in a workshop at University of Maryland. It has always been a powerful thinking tool for understanding conflict dynamics in organizational development. He focuses on the role of "Middles" (analgous middle managers, teacher-participants, servant leaders)-- in managing conflict. What stuck with me was the depiction of how "Middles" most closely identify with the group's collective interest and often work, heroicly, to advance the group's goals. I will also never forget Ken's summary at the end of the book, understanding his own role and passion as a "Middle." Through this book,he remains a mentor to me, as I continue to work in my profession to make Federal government agencies more effective.

Smith's book didn't make the same splash as Rosabeth Moss Kanter's "Men and Women of the Corporation," but it shares a similar message about power. Smith conducted an anthropological experiment that examined what happened when strangers were assigned a status level (Elite, In or Out) and asked to live together in an artificial "society." He found that social power levels were a powerful determinant of behavior. The book provides ample evidence of Smith's findings through detailed descriptions of the experiment and through a case study of a real social system (a school district) at work. Groups in Conflict is quite readable for an academic-style book. It's a must-read for anyone interested in social, racial, or ethnic conflict.