Leading through Conflict

Established and emerging scholars deepen our insight into the causes and consequences of conflict. They open new areas of exploration by integrating knowledge from fields as diverse as morality, emotions and social networks with conflict theory. They further our understanding of conflict through case and field studies, and by applying new theoretical perspectives. And they move us forward by drawing on our growing understanding of forgiveness and reconciliation. In short, these authors bring new energy to the analysis of conflict.' -Mara Olekalns, Professor of Management, Melbourne Business School, Australia and Conflict Management Division Chair, Academy of Management 'This perfectly-timed collection covers the field of conflict from the personal to the social, and does so with impressive breadth and originality. Kong and Forsyth have assembled a first-rate collection of expert contributors whose cutting-edge ideas advance our understanding of the origins of conflicts as well as novel approaches to their constructive resolution. An unusual strength of the book is its powerful and deft blend of multi-disciplinary perspectives coupled with multiple methodologies. Academic conflict theorists will draw both insight and inspiration from this marvelous collection, and conflict resolution practitioners will want it on their shelf as an invaluable resource.' -Dr. Roderick M. Kramer, William R. Kimball Professor of Organizational Behavior, Stanford University, USA 'Much has been written about conflict. However, it is equally true that much remains to be learnt about this hugely important topic. Kong and Forsyth bring together an impressive group of scholars that share with us latest research and theorizing on the nature, consequences, and resolution of conflict. The chapters do a wonderful job in examining conflict from multiple levels and perspectives, a true reflection of the inherently interdisciplinary nature of the study of conflict. This volume is sure to engage and lead to novel insights for both researchers and practitioners.' -Dr. Jochen Reb,Associate Professor of Organisational Behaviour and Human Resources, Lee Kong Chian School of Business, Singapore Management University and Co-Editor of Mindfulness in Organizations: Foundations, Research, and Applications

Leading through Conflict brings together recent theory and research on interpersonal conflict and its resolution by examining the causes and consequence of conflict in groups, organizations and communities, and identifying ways that conflict can be managed and resolved.

Effective leadership requires many skills, but foremost among them is the capacity to successfully deal with conflict. Any disruption that creates a lack of alignment can trigger the conflict cycle, such as differences of opinion, competition for scarce resources and interpersonal enmity. Leading through Conflict brings together recent theory and research on interpersonal conflict and its resolution by examining the causes and consequence of conflict in groups, organizations and communities, and identifying ways that conflict can be managed and resolved. It analyzes conflict in a multi-disciplinary way, from clashes within communities to interpersonal and professional encounters.

Written in an accessible way by top scholars in the field, Leading through Conflict is a must-read for academics, graduate students, undergraduates and MBA students across leadership, organizational behavior, psychology and sociology.