CONCLUSION

It was my intent, in this chapter, to look at some of the linkages and interrelation­ships between conflict processes and change. I have discussed the bidirectional nature of the processes involved in change and conflict.

I have highlighted three important psychological components of the change process and how they influence the course of conflict. Motivation, resistance, and commitment are by no means the only psychological dynamics involved in change. It is my contention, though, that they are important enough to warrant further the­orizing and empirical study as they relate to conflict and change. Furthermore, it would behoove the conflict resolution practitioner to work with these dynamics as they relate to changing a system in which any conflict training takes place. Since the first edition of this handbook, I have noticed through my work with individuals and groups, that there is a small but more frequent interest in, acceptance of, and eager­ness to explore the connections between the difficult work of planned change and the productive use of conflict during change. I am encouraged by this and continue to do what I can to fuel this motivation!