Kathy L. Isaacson – författare

Written from the authors' experience in conflict intervention in their private consulting practice, Engaging Communication in Conflict uses a communication perspective to address insights and methods in private mediation, small group facilitation, system design, large-scale interventions, and public-issue management. This book offers encouragement for a world sometimes overwhelmed by conflict and presents an expanded and pragmatic definition of peace.

Authors Stephen Littlejohn and Kathy Domenici discuss numerous methods and principles in conflict resolution. They explore transformative mediation, the team mediation system, assessment and evaluation, systemic design, gaming methodology, issue framing and public deliberation, study circles, dialogue groups, and many other interventions. These methods and principles are adapted from a spectrum of theory and practice and include fresh and innovative approaches designed by the authors and their colleagues.

The book is based on a coherent theoretical orientation, drawing heavily from the theories of the coordinated management of meaning, system theory, social constructionism, and transformative discourse. While these theories are detailed in the Appendix, the book is highly pragmatic in orientation, with numerous case examples and "how-to" information.

Written from the authors' experience in conflict intervention in their private consulting practice, Engaging Communication in Conflict uses a communication perspective to address insights and methods in private mediation, small group facilitation, system design, large-scale interventions, and public-issue management. This book offers encouragement for a world sometimes overwhelmed by conflict and presents an expanded and pragmatic definition of peace.

Authors Stephen Littlejohn and Kathy Domenici discuss numerous methods and principles in conflict resolution. They explore transformative mediation, the team mediation system, assessment and evaluation, systemic design, gaming methodology, issue framing and public deliberation, study circles, dialogue groups, and many other interventions. These methods and principles are adapted from a spectrum of theory and practice and include fresh and innovative approaches designed by the authors and their colleagues.

The book is based on a coherent theoretical orientation, drawing heavily from the theories of the coordinated management of meaning, system theory, social constructionism, and transformative discourse. While these theories are detailed in the Appendix, the book is highly pragmatic in orientation, with numerous case examples and "how-to" information.

"By "granting the other specificity," authors Domenici and Littlejohn successfully uphold the important values of human dignity, honor, and respect as anchoring points in which the story of the book evolves."—Stella Ting-Toomey, California State University at Fullerton"The book is written in user-friendly language, well planned, well executed, and packed with useful ideas on building positive facework in diverse contexts."—Stella Ting-Toomey, California State University at Fullerton"The advantage of this text is its consistent, strong, and thoroughly researched focus on Communication. The benefits for readers come from this focus, as well as from the accessible language, vivid examples, and engaging suggestions." —Liliana Castañeda Rossmann, California State University, San Marcos     "Written in an accessible and engaging style, there is much to recommend this text as an excellent illustration of practical theory." —William R. Cupach, Illinois State University   Written in a clear, engaging style Facework: Bridging Theory and Practice introduces a new paradigm that identifies facework as the key to communication within the management of difference. Authors Kathy Domenici and Stephen W. Littlejohn illustrate how facework is a central process in the social construction of both identity and community.   Key Features: Goes beyond traditional understandings of face to enrich the concept of facework: This book formulates a new practical theory of facework and provides principles of practice derived from the theory. Skills and methods appropriate for a face-centered practice of communication in the management of difference are addressed. Offers a wide spectrum of examples: Building dignity, honor, and respect is an ongoing accomplishment within the conversations and episodes of group life, in relationships, organizations, communities, nations, and international relations. This book includes cases on the personal, organizational, societal, and global levels. Demonstrates a fresh perspective in a clear, engaging, and accessible style: The book honors the research literature on facework and presents key findings in a meaningful way.  

Intended Audience: This is an excellent text for undergraduate and graduate courses in Intercultural Communication, Interpersonal Communication, Negotiation and Conflict Resolution, Management Communication, and Group Communication, among others. It is also a valuable resource for management consultants, mediators, facilitators, trainers, and organizational development professionals.