Conflict resolution training goes by other names depending upon the degree program and also the concentration that a person is pursing. Degree programs are also recognized by names such as negotiation training, peace studies, dispute resolution, reconciliation, and conflict mediation. Additionally, it can depend on whether one is pursuing the degree from a school of business, school of law, international relations department, political science department, or a public policy degree as well as other program. This also determines the kinds of courses which may be required for completing curriculum requirements.
While conflict is a fact of life, it does not need to be necessarily a negative point. Conflict, when handled expertly can result in productivity, innovation and growth. This is particularly so in business and social negotiations. For example if one is a mediator in procurement and contract negotiation, one can assist the organization strike the most effective deals in the best rates.
All in all, conflict resolution training appears interdisciplinary with needed syllabus from different departments that include ethics, psychology, counseling, policy, organizational development, sociology, interpersonal communications, cross-cultural communication, leadership and management, and law and legal problem fixing. This certainly will change by program, however the degree program will likely be grounded in several disciplines. Moreover, course courses may be part of the program and may consist of Conflict theory, Negotiation Theory, Dispute Systems Design, and Alternative Dispute Resolution.
The targets of the program can vary, but may include learning the following: Techniques for Conflict Management, Conflict Styles, Managing Negative Behavior, Conflict Management Models, Managing Disputes, Conflict Variations, Managing Hostility and Aggression, and Levelling Assertiveness and Empathy to note a couple of areas. These types of skills require both a theoretical and practical approach to confliction management, and classes may use modeling, role-playing, hands-on skills clinics, internship or practicum, and even examining authentic cases studies.
Students achieve skills in intercultural communication, coaching, dispute resolution planning, alternate methods to dispute resolution, needs analysis, program evaluation, facilitation, negotiation, and mediation. Exactly what can I do with conflict resolution training you ask?
According to ones earlier training and credentials, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics suggests that many job titles include arbitrators, mediators, conciliators, judges, magistrates, and other Judicial Workers. These titles of course believe that one has some training in law and legal affairs. For professionals working in international settings which include Foreign Service, the United Nations, Red Cross, and other non-governmental organizations (NGOs) they may work in conflict zones and policy development as part of their professional commitments.
Conflict resolution and mediation students originate from a variety of fields that include: human resource management, education, business leadership, project management, law enforcement, social services, lawyers, government, healthcare, non-profit management and a lot more. In other words, any field that concerns human interaction, and that may require arbitration or dispute resolution methods would benefit from programs in this discipline. As far as the level of income with conflict resolution training, this will vary based upon all the factors that are mentioned above. For example if one is already a lawyer, it is likely that one’s income would be based on that, while if your are trainer like a counselor, the income would also be based on that. It is however, a useful addition for one to have to their curriculum vita.