Download or read book The Conflict Resolution Syndrome written by Alexander Abdennur and published by University of Ottawa Press. This book was released on 1987 with total page 153 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This is a study of conflict resolution as a personal adaption to the conflict inherent in any particular situation. The model distinguishes three basic reactions to conflict -- confrontation, reconciliation, and avoidance - determined by personality variables. The theory is tested on samples of correctional and social service volunteer workers, because volunteers tend to select freely the roles that are harmonious or consistent with their personalities. The study found that these volunteers preferred low-conflict situations and tended to deal with problems by denying their existence, or by underestimating their potential for division and conflict. This cluster of behaviours is defined as the Conflict Resolution Syndrome. The dangers of institutionalizing the Syndrome, and of concentrating 'avoidance' personalities in decision-making roles, is described : the solutions offered tend to respond to the psychological needs of the decision-makers rather than to the objective conditions of the problem. Chapter 1 contains an overview of the book. Chapter 2 contains a critical review of the literature on the personality characteristics of volunteers. The research study is presented in Chapter 3. In Chapter 4, a personality typology based on conflict avoidance is outlined. Chapter 5 gives social and political analyses of aspects of volunteerism, and Chapter 6 describes the social and political dangers inherent in conflict avoidance strategies.