Negotiating the Nexus: Symbiotic Relationship of Theory and Practice in Conflict Management

Abstract

The field of conflict resolution has long recognized that theory and practice are both vital in studying peace and conflict. But theory and practice often exist in separate worlds, each vying for privilege and recognition. However, many scholars and practitioners work in the theory–practice nexus, constantly negotiating as they move back and forth between the two domains. But even though tensions often exist between theory and practice, this essay proposes that they function together is a symbiotic relationship. Several ways are proposed for how a symbiotic approach to theory and research can be beneficial for the study and practice of conflict management, and the benefits of doing so are outlined. It is proposed that theory and practice come together in special ways in the classroom, and scholars and practitioners are encouraged to consider possibilities for promoting through teaching and pedagogy the coevolution of knowledge that is the essence of symbiosis.

Weaving Together Theory, Research, Practice, and Teaching: A Four‐dimensional Approach to Negotiation and Conflict Management Work

“…We suggest that the 4‐D approach has hitherto been seen as facultative or discretionary, and offer the perspective that in order for negotiation and conflict management field to fully thrive, the 4‐D approach should be its default mode of work. In Broome's () biological metaphor of how actors and activities in the fields of negotiation and conflict management interact, rather than seeing one area as a parasite, taking away the life and essence of the host, the 4‐D approach should be seen as empowering and nourishing the field. While we acknowledge we might be belaboring the biological metaphor, we think it most aptly expresses the paradigm shift we are suggesting.…”

“…The special issue opens with Broome (). In an augmented version of his speech upon accepting the Jeffrey Z. Rubin Theory to Practice Award, Broome describes the sometimes uncomfortable relationship between practitioners and academics, but acknowledges the need for a positive symbiosis for both aspects to thrive.…”

“…Incorporating the other dimensions, beyond the origin dimension or the essence dimension, both improve the way the authors conceptualize and portray the more heavily weighted dimension and extend beyond that to provide a comprehensive treatment of the topic. Expanding Broome's () biological metaphor around symbiosis a bit further and applying it to the articles in this special issue, the authors began with the host (either research or theory or practice) and then layered the other critical elements of the 4‐D framework to create a more robust environment for survival and sustainability as symbiotic organisms.…”

Graphic Novels: A Brief History, Their Use in Business Education, and the Potential for Negotiation Pedagogy

“…According to Broome (), the field of negotiation and conflict management brings together theory and practice, and that the negotiation field exists at the intersection, or nexus , of research, theory, practice, and pedagogy. The use of graphic novels and comics content in the classroom fit into this nexus, by integrating theories behind learning, such as visual and content literacy, and practice, that is the content of these works as a conduit for student learning of negotiation and conflict management concepts.…”

“…The use of graphic novels and comics content in the classroom fit into this nexus, by integrating theories behind learning, such as visual and content literacy, and practice, that is the content of these works as a conduit for student learning of negotiation and conflict management concepts. This is especially true where conflict resolution and negotiation theory and research are not accessible due to its abstraction from the real world (Broome, ). This paper posits that the use of graphic novels and comics content works in negotiation and conflict management pedagogy offers a launching pad to develop various theories to the field specifically, an invitation to design studies or pilot tests of research in their use and that their use may be more than just academic, but have the potential to add to the practice of negotiation and conflict resolution in the real world.…”