Generalist Approach to Conflict Resolution - by Toran Hansen (Hardcover)

About the Book

This book provides a broad framework for scholar-practitioners to assist parties in conflict to collaboratively and comprehensively analyze and address diverse conflicts using all-manner of conflict interventions and theories emerging out of the twin fields of conflict resolut...

Book Synopsis

This book provides a broad framework for scholar-practitioners to assist parties in conflict to collaboratively and comprehensively analyze and address diverse conflicts using all-manner of conflict interventions and theories emerging out of the twin fields of conflict resolution and peace studies. The generalist approach, which emphasizes both 'ways of doing' and skills, as well as 'ways of being' and principles, rests on solid theoretical foundations and evaluation research is integral to the approach.

Review Quotes

In his The Generalist Approach to Conflict Resolution, Dr. Toran Hansen issues an invitation to consider a new, broaden yet structured and scientifically sound approach to the scholarship and practice of conflict resolution: the Generalist approach. Timely and engaging, this work addresses one of the key questions which our field continues to wrestle with: is an overall approach to resolving many different kinds of conflict possible? To that end, what is the best way to assist those who come to us for guidance? Inspired by the generalist approach to social work, Hansen's framework can help resolve a key dilemma in the field, which is providing clients with a variety of conflict resolution tools from which to choose. Hansen's framework is compelling, structured yet flexible and will be of great use to scholars and practitioners alike.

When reading Toran Hansen's bold and important manuscript on The Generalist Approach to Conflict Resolution, I couldn't help but be struck by how compatible his collaborative, egalitarian and compassionate approach is to the values and strategies of the Scholarship of Engagement. By calling for scholar-practitioners to bridge the gap between the theory and practice and to operate as a "resource guide" in true partnership with conflict clients, Hansen has courageouslycalled for conflict resolvers to place as much emphasis on their diagnostic competencies as to their proposed interventions. Perhaps this book will develop the same respect for scholar-practitioners who practice the generalist "ways of doing" and "ways of being" as their esteemed counterpart General Practitioner in the Medical Profession.

With an engaging and easy to read narrative style throughout, Hansen clearly intends this guidebook to be a working manual for practitioners and scholars alike, rather than simply a scholastic work. ... The Generalist Approach to Conflict Resolution: A Guidebook has value for students, new practitioners and experts in the field of conflict resolution. The information presented, from a strong theoretical framework to well-analyzed examples and case studies, can be helpful at any career stage to support both research and application.

About the Author

Toran is currently an assistant professor in the Department of Conflict Analysis and Resolution at Nova Southeastern University. He received his Ph.D. in social work from the University of Minnesota and his Master's in conflict analysis and resolution from Nova Southeastern University. Toran has previously worked as a research associate for the Center for Urban and Regional Affairs and the Center for Restorative Justice and Peacemaking at the University of Minnesota, as well as the Institute for Child Health Policy at Nova Southeastern University. From 1999-2001, he was a Peace Corps volunteer in Guinea, West Africa. In addition, he has over ten years of experience working with at-risk youth in Canada and the United States. Toran has also published numerous articles concerning social justice, social capital, social networks, social movements, and conflict transformation.