What's Happening in Conflict Resolution" is a weekly round up of the all the ADR news, jobs, events and more. Check it out each week and view past versions [HERE].

Researchers Identify Useful Negotiation Strategies for 'Honor Cultu...

COLLEGE PARK, Md., June 15, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A new study shows that Western diplomatic strategies based on rationality may backfire when applied to discussions with "honor cultures," such as in the Middle East, African and Latin America. The authors of the study recommend that diplomats better tailor their word choice to the values of the culture with whom they are negotiating. Another outcome of the study is a new "honor dictionary" based on hundreds of interviews in the Middle East that identifies "honor talk" in negotiations and contrasts it with other dictionaries developed in the United States to assess more "rational talk."

The study examines the role of honor in negotiations and was designed to complement the "rational" Western model of dialogue and to better serve honor cultures. The new proposed honor model—based on models found in many Arabic-speaking populations—illustrates the linguistic processes that facilitate creativity in negotiation agreements in the United States and Egypt.

Read more [HERE]. 

HOW TO NEGOTIATE FOR WHAT YOU WANT AND STILL MAKE FRIENDS

WHEN YOU ARE GOING INTO A NEGOTIATION AT AN DISADVANTAGE HOW DO YOU GET WHAT WOULD WANT WHILE KEEPING THE RELATIONSHIP INTACT.

By Michelle Lam/Fastcompany.com- I still remember the first week of my first job out of college. Picture a group of handpicked young men and women gathered in a conference room for what was nicknamed "influence training." "People automatically form a first impression of you and this first impression affects your ability to do your job," the trainer told us. "Which traits create the most credible and persuasive first impression? Tall, Caucasian, brunette, a deep voice and male," nodding to the winners of the genetic lottery. "For you," she paused, addressing me, "it's not going to be so simple."
She was right. I'm 5-foot-4, not male and not Caucasian. Through no fault of my own, I will never start at the same starting line as my male counterparts in any meeting, much less a negotiation. Ample evidence suggests that negotiation is more challenging for women. Too often, we don’t even try to negotiate or, if we do, we are penalized for not acting in a way women are expected to.

Read more from FastCompany.com [HERE]. 

Peace and conflict post #8623: The Ombuds-thingie

Noam Ebner- Check out Noam Ebner's latest post on the term "ombudsman" and the role of gender in names.  Plus he links to a recent report that explores this topic. 

Read more [HERE]. 

"Who does he think he is?" and Other Things Mediation Clients Say

Dan Simon- The transformative theory of conflict suggests that parties are generally struggling to regain a state of strength and responsiveness.  This blog entry gives some examples of how some statements by parties might be interpreted within the transformative framework.  You can read the article here.

Change the Interaction, Change the Outcome

Louise and William's new book, Being Relational, details seven ways of being in relation to others that capture the heart and soul of all that is self-help, grounded in method, and supported by relational conflict theory and brain science findings. The ways of being that promote quality face-to-face dialogue and lasting positive change are rooted in teachings from many sources and are also inspired by the experience of thousands of people for whom the Senfts have mediated, fostering personal strength and connectedness through quality interaction. In this program, Louise and William will share insights into their practical and inspiring approach that the listeners can immediately apply to their stressful interactions as well as, check in on and grow into, as a way of being in relation to others.

More [HERE].