Synopses & Reviews
"At last we have a theory that helps us understand organizsations as the bustling collection of conflicts, partnerships, emotions, logic and intuitions that they really are. The ability to understand, predict and co-ordinate within this tangled web of relationships will be THE defining characteristic of tomorrow's great leaders." --Mary Crannell, President, Idea Sciences, Alexandria, VA.
"In an increasingly confrontational world, drama theory helps organisations to understand, communicate and survive." --Ken Bowen, Professor of Operational Research, Royal Holloway, University of London
"Making good decisions is extremely difficult when the actions of more than one party determine the final outcome. Drama theory is one of the few decision tools available to managers who must make decisions under such circumstances." --Niall Fraser, Co-Founder Open Options Corporation; formerly Professor at the University of Waterloo, Toronto
"In emotionally charged situations, preferences of people may change. Drama theory is an innovative theory that can explain how, and why, by showing when expressions of emotion can be a perfectly rational choice in game theory." --Steven Brams, Professor of Politics, New York University
When people care passionately, but their visions differ, then resolving a situation makes exceptional demands. Drama theory, upon which this pioneering guide to collaboration is based, provides a rigorous yet subtle framework for handling conflict and co-operation in any management context.
Written by one of the originators of the field, and rooted in experience gained over a decade of application, this guide to managing collaboration will be an essential source for managers, consultants and educators seeking to improve the quality of inter-organisational relationships and the effectiveness of collaborative working.
Synopsis
* Includes case studies, illustrations, and diagrams.
Synopsis
* Provides managers with a conceptual framework and practical methodology for establishing effective collaboration.
* A new concept utilizing drama theory in business management.
* Includes case studies, illustrations, and diagrams.
Synopsis
Successful collaborative working is a critical imperative in both the public and private sectors. By using the framework clearly set out in this book, the reader is able to understand and manage, at both cognitive and affective levels, the specific challenges that are faced in specific joint enterprises.
Drama theory offers a highly general framework for capturing and representing inter- and intra-organisational relationships. It provides insights into conflict and collaboration and a means by which people can construct models of their particular situation.
The Six Dilemmas of Collaboration will help the reader to gain:
* insights into the strategic structure of situations
* new creative ideas about how to handle issues in collaborations
* assistance when 'things go wrong' in inter-organisational relationships
* a whole way of thinking about conflict (in any arena) and its resolution
About the Author
JIM BRYANT is Professor of Operational Research and Strategy Sciences at Sheffield Hallam University. Over the past decade he has been centrally involved in the development and application of drama-based analysis and methods, notably for handling intra- and inter-organisational, relationships. Alongside his work on strategic partnerships and alliances, he has acted as a problem-structuring consultant and facilitator, particularly to public sector and community clients.
He is presently Chairman of the Conflict Research Society, a widely based professional body concerned with the study of conflict and collaboration at all levels.
Table of Contents
Preface.
Acknowledgements.
PART I: THE CHALLENGE.
Together.
Responses.
Paradoxes.
PART II: THE DRAMA FRAMEWORK.
Framing Collaboration.
Storyboarding.
The Six Dilemmas.
PART III: ENACTING.
Synopsis.
Director's Toolbox.
Designs.
Postscripts.
Glossary.
References.
Index.