The Conflict Partnership Process. Parts 1 & 2 1998
Distributed by Chip Taylor Communications, 2 East View Drive, Derry, NH 03038-4812; 800-876-CHIP (2447)
Produced by Legal Resources Trust
Director n/a
VHS, color, 30 min.
Adult
Management, Psychology
Date Entered: 11/09/2018
Reviewed by Mary Beth Weber, Technical and Automated Services, Rutgers University Libraries, New Brunswick, N.J.The Conflict Partner Process discusses various types of conflicts and provides a process for settling disputes. The video features Dr. Dudley Weeks, an expert in all types of conflict resolution, including business, interpersonal, community, and ethnic conflicts. Interestingly, Dr. Weeks has participated in conflict resolution in a number of countries, including Bosnia, Northern Ireland, the former Soviet Union, the Middle East, and South Africa. With such impressive credentials, it is hard to ignore the information he provides in the video.
The program explores how conflict often stems from diversity, and Dr. Weeks stresses how diversity is healthy. He demonstrates how differences can help us to explore alternatives. The program also illustrates how conflict itself is not necessarily negative, and that negative effects result from how conflict is handled. Dr. Dudley outlines five ineffective approaches to conflict (avoidance, conquest, role-dominance, bandage, and bargaining) and provides an analysis of each type and why it is ineffective. Each approach is demonstrated in scenes involving two actors. The program next demonstrates the process Dr. Dudley has developed called "conflict partnership," which is a reliable way to deal with a particular conflict effectively, to improve an overall relationship, and to learn specific skills for the future. Two actors demonstrate use of the skills in resolving a difficult conflict. Addresses for additional resources as well as where to purchase copies of the video and workbook are given at the end of the program.
The video is well organized and easy to follow. The various types of conflicts and steps to resolution are provided in captions on the screen if viewers want to take notes. The actors are credible and sound quality is good. The container states that program length is 60 minutes, but the actual duration is closer to 30 minutes. Additionally, the container states that the program consists of parts 1 and 2, yet these parts are never clearly indicated while viewing the program.
The Conflict Partner Process is appropriate for high school, college and university, and adult audiences. It could benefit young people learning to deal with conflict as well as mature adults. This program is recommended for purchase.