Working Through Conflict
Strategies for Relationships, Groups, and Organizations
📘 About This Book
Updated in its 7th edition, Working Through Conflict provides an introduction to conflict and conflict management that is firmly grounded in current theory, research, and practice, covering the whole range of conflict settings (interpersonal, group, and organizational). Encompassing a broad spectrum of theoretical perspectives, the text includes an abundance of real life case studies that illustrate key concepts and help students learn how to apply theory. The book's emphasis on application of concepts makes it highly accessible to students, while expanding their understanding of both conflict theory and practical skills.An introduction to social science research and theory on conflict
📖 Summary
Working Through Conflict, authored by Joseph Folger, stands as a definitive resource in the study of interpersonal dynamics and dispute resolution. Now in its seventh edition, this comprehensive text spans over five hundred pages, offering readers a thorough and rigorous introduction to the mechanisms of conflict and the art of conflict management. The book is firmly rooted in contemporary social science theory, academic research, and practical field application. Rather than treating disagreements as purely negative disruptions, the author explores conflict as a natural, dynamic, and potentially constructive component of human relationships across a vast spectrum of settings, including intimate family relationships, small peer groups, and large organizational environments. A central strength of the work is its ability to bridge the gap between abstract academic concepts and everyday reality. The text encompasses a broad and diverse spectrum of theoretical perspectives, allowing readers to view disputes through multiple analytical lenses. To ensure these theories resonate outside the classroom, the book incorporates an abundance of real-life case studies that vividly illustrate key concepts. These practical examples guide readers in learning how to apply theoretical frameworks to their own personal and professional lives, making complex communication theories highly accessible. By emphasizing both deep theoretical understanding and tangible practical skills, the text equips readers to analyze the root causes of friction, decode behavioral patterns, and design constructive pathways toward resolution. Whether navigating delicate dynamics within family relationships or addressing systemic challenges within an organization, the book provides a robust toolkit for transforming destructive confrontations into opportunities for growth and mutual understanding. Through its thoughtful structure and extensive research base, Working Through Conflict remains an essential guide for anyone seeking to master the complexities of human interaction and dispute management.
🎯 Key Lessons
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
Grounded in current social science research and theory
Includes abundant real-life case studies for practical learning
Covers a wide range of settings including family, groups, and organizations
Makes complex academic concepts highly accessible to readers
⚠️ Cons
Lengthy text that requires significant time investment
Academic focus may feel dense for casual readers seeking quick tips
❓ FAQ
Who wrote Working Through Conflict? +
The book was authored by Joseph Folger.
What edition is covered in this description? +
This description covers the updated seventh edition of the book.
What genres does the book fall under? +
The book primarily falls under the family relationships and conflict management genres.
How many pages are in this book? +
The book spans 516 pages.
What types of settings are explored in the text? +
The text covers interpersonal, group, and organizational conflict settings.
