Weaving Together Theory, Research, Practice and Teaching: A Four-Dimensional Approach to Negotiation and Conflict Management Work

Abstract

In this paper, we suggest a new paradigm for writing on negotiation and conflict management that integrates theory, research, practice and teaching. While there might be an implicit understanding that such integration is key to advancing the field, we make this explicit. Highlighting the critical aspects of this relationship, we call for a four-dimensional approach to writing in the negotiation and conflict management field. We suggest that adopting such systematic and intentional exploration of all four dimensions should be the default approach to writing on negotiation and conflict management topics. We provide brief summaries of the articles presented in the special issue and discuss the essence, origins and weighting of the four dimensions in each paper. Finally, we suggest that this four-dimensional approach might have ramifications for the field’s work, in areas other than writing.

Keywords: Negotiation, theory, research, teaching, pedagogy, practice, conflict, 4D, 4-D, writing, articles, dimensions, ADR