Brief Report: Promoting Postformal Thinking on the Job: A Protocol for Interpersonal Conflict Resolution Training

Abstract

In this paper, we discuss the relevance of training in the constructive resolution of interpersonal conflicts that occur at work. Research indicates that such conflicts may be a source of stress for adults, particularly young adults who have just entered the workforce. We present a training protocol in constructive conflict resolution that has been adapted for application to work-related conflicts. Most conflict resolution training protocols for use in the workplace focus on resolving company-wide problems. We do not know of any that focus on individual conflicts between employees, while emphasizing skills that may offer some benefits for the development of postformal thinking. Postformal thinking has been postulated as relevant to becoming an expert in one's chosen profession. We present this protocol to stimulate ideas on how to further develop and refine training efforts for working adults in conflict resolution.

Psychometric Properties of the Spanish Version of the Complex Postformal Thought Questionnaire: Developmental Pattern and Significance and Its Relationship With Cognitive and Personality Measures

“…Relativistic operations would appear to be fundamental to the psychosocial development of the individual in adulthood when most needed. Moreover, our study confirms the existing relationship between PFT and variables of particular importance for adaptive functioning, such as metacognition (Vukman, 2005), perseverance (Griffin et al, 2009) or problem solving/coping flexibility (Cheng, 2009;Weitzman & Weitzman, 2006). More specifically, some empirical evidence supports the role of PFT in addressing the tasks faced by 30 and 40 year olds.…”

“…A measure of academic resilience was also contemplated. In a work conflict context, training active listening, reframing, and brainstorming would lead to PFT by affecting different post-formal operations (Weitzman & Weitzman, 2006). Similarly, PFT is related to coping flexibility and thus, higher levels of dialectical thinking are linked to a more balanced coping profile and a better fit of strategy-situation (Cheng, 2009).…”

“…Furthermore, PFT offers multiple benefits for science, technology, mathematics, humanities, successful management, and innovation , and its growing importance is also reflected in the interest in finding the neural correlates underlying such thought (Leite et al, 2016). In line with the above, much research has been conducted to both empirically validate the existence of postformal operations (see reviews such as Gurba, 2005;Kallio, 2011;Marchand, 2002), and to analyze the relationship of PFT to important and diverse areas of daily functioning (see Cartwright, 2001;Chang & Chiou, 2014;Day, 2010Day, , 2017Galupo et al, 2010;Griffin et al, 2009;Han & Bai, 2020;Jennings et al, 2009;Jory et al, 2018;Morton et al, 2000;Sinnott, 2001;Sinnott & Johnson, 1997;Weitzman & Weitzman, 2006). Jan D. Sinnott's theory and the Complex Postformal Thought Questionnaire (PFTQ)…”

A Novel Approach to Capacity Building in a Peacebuilding NGO

“…We then focused on specific requirements of the TOLERANCE project, identifying operational challenges encountered in the field, such as shifting patterns of violence in the region; organisational needs such as expanded capacity in supervision and management; and an assessment of the fit of IMC's culture with the requirements of the coming project, particularly around creating a culture for their growing staff that would be more supportive of organisational effectiveness, creativity, and group action (Schein, 2015). It was further grounded in recognition that active engagement in creative problem-solving and decision-making would be crucial not only to the creativity and commitment of the staff but to their growth into the roles they were taking on (Weitzman & Weitzman, 2006, 2014.…”

Valuing the well-being of the mother, child and both while solving problems related to motherhood

“…A review of research on post-formal reasoning provides results that indicate the importance of these structures for various areas of adult functioning. Researchers have confirmed that post-formal thinking is important in the process of constructive resolution of interpersonal conflicts occurring at work (Weitzman, Weitzman, 2006). In the field of personality research, James Griffin's team proved that such personal characteristics as Openness to experience and Conscientiousness are positively correlated with the presence of post-formal forms of thinking in adults (Griffin, Gooding, Semesky, Far mer, Mannchen, & Sinnott, 2009).…”