Bridging Theory and Practice of Creative Conflict Engagement

“There is nothing so practical as a good theory”

Kurt Lewin

International Conference, December 21-23, 2014

The Program on Conflict Management, Resolution and Negotiation

Bar Ilan University, Israel

Overview

The effort to bridge theory and practice within the field of conflict engagement is an ongoing endeavor that goes back to the founding moments of the field. Some practitioners, who have a prominent role in the professional development of the field, perceive theory as remote and unrelated to their everyday craft, and some academics perceive the practice of conflict engagement as unsystematic and too intuitive to capture theoretically. We believe that theory and systematic research can and should be a useful tool for conflict interventions, and experience in the field is and must be an essential component for building relevant theory. However, since the two worlds of theory and practice operate on two sets of different, and sometimes even contending emphases, this effort is more aspirational than actual. As Einstein aptly said, “In theory, there is no difference between theory and practice, but in practice there is.”

This conference is based, therefore, on a commitment to surface the challenges, seize the opportunities and in these ways contribute – both theoretically and practically –  to building the field of conflict engagement by bridging the gap between theory and practice. Bridging theory and practice means encouraging close dialogue between the field and academia. It also calls for effective adaptation of conflict resolution theory and studied application within professional practice.

This conference and special issue of the International Journal of Conflict Engagement and Resolution[1] will be devoted to wrestling with the problems and opportunities of theoretical development of conflict resolution practice, and applications of cutting edge theory to best practices.

Important  deadlines:

Paper proposals which outline intended contribution (2-3 pages), due April 1, 2014 – 3-5

These proposals should

1. outline a main argument or hypothesis about the dilemmas and/or opportunities for merging theory and practice in conflict resolution,
2.  describe the research methods used (field based, action research oriented, empirical, review of previous studies, etc.) and
3. offer some practical recommendations for advancing theory and practice merger for the field.

Accepted paper proposals to be submitted as drafts for review and possible publication, July 1, 2014 (for publication by November 2014).

Those authors whose papers are accepted for publication will have the option to submit a proposal for a conference presentation (as a panel, poster session or workshop). We are currently applying for funds to support stipends for travel and local expenses at our conference and thus hope to provide support for conference presenters/authors  who wish to participate.[2]

Proposals/inquiries should be sent to Nofit Amir, Managing Editor, at Intj.Cr@mail.biu.ac.il