The Handbook of Conflict Resolution: Theory and Practice

As stated before, this is a text book. It is at times a bit dry, but unfortunately that is what happens when you try to fit such an enormous amount of useful info into one book. Most of the chapters are written by different authors, so for someone attempting to read this book cover-to-cover it can be a bit difficult to follow the different writing styles and rhythms. However, each chapter has a wealth of information useful to everyone from the student just beginning to break into the study of conflict to the seasoned veteran of the field. Apart from course requirements, I use this book mainly to give myself a broad overview of a topic, as a reference for what research has been done, and to point me in the right direction to investigate each topic on my own. As I said above, this is an enormous amount of information to fit into one book (even if it is 600+ pages) so many chapters offer reading suggestions for further elaboration on specific aspects of the main topic. That to me is the main appeal and true value of this text- on all the wide-ranging topics in Conflict Resolution and Alternative Dispute Resolution, here in one book I can find the key to direct me for further study.

The second edition is an outstanding handbook for learning how to manage and resolve conflict, especially for professionals who find themselves faced with and/or engaged in conflict at any level. The first edition became a classic, the second edition secured that position for years to come. I use this text to teach senior executives and aspiring leaders. I've found no better handbook for taking doctoral students from 'learners' of conflict resolution theory to successful and confident 'practitioners.'

It is a handbook and not a novel. It's not supposed to function as a page-turner, but it is a book that is pregnant with meaning. I find the information in here very useful not only from a research point of view, but for anyone who is ever faced with conflict situations at work or even outside of work. It gives you the bottom line on the effects of constructive conflict resolution and a whole lot more. If only the present Administration would stumble upon a copy and read what it has to say, we might find ourselves in a much better position.

As someone who is interested in the field of Conflict Resolution, I found the book to be extremely helpful. The book is very comprehensive, and it covers various topics that are most relevant to both theorists and practitioners. Among the topics covered in the handbook: interpersonal and intergroup processes, intrapsychic processes, creativity and change, culture and conflict, models of practice, and many others. The three authors Morton Deutsch, Peter T. Coleman and Eric C. Marcus present the 37 chapters of the handbook in a well organized way and succeed in articulating some of the most pertinent aspects of the field. I highly recommend this book.