From Support to Control : A Configurational Perspective on Conjugal Quality

The topic of conjugal quality provides an empirical illustration of the relevance of the configurational perspective on families. Based on a longitudinal sample of 1,534 couples living in Switzerland drawn from the study "Social Stratification, Cohesion and Conflict in Contemporary Families", we show that various types of interdependencies with relatives and friends promote distinct conflict management strategies for couples as well as unequal levels of conjugal quality. We find that configurations characterized by supportive and non-interfering relationships with relatives and friends for both partners are associated with higher conjugal quality, while configurations characterized by interference are associated with lower conjugal quality.

The induced generalized OWA operator

[spa] Se presenta el operador OWA generalizado inducido (IGOWA). Es un nuevo operador de agregación que generaliza al operador OWA a través de utilizar las principales características de dos operadores muy conocidos como son el operador OWA generalizado y el operador OWA inducido. Entonces, este operador utiliza medias generalizadas y variables de ordenación inducidas en el proceso de reordenación. Con esta formulación, se obtiene una amplia gama de operadores de agregación que incluye a todos los casos particulares de los operadores IOWA y GOWA, y otros casos particulares. A continuación, se realiza una generalización mayor al operador IGOWA a través de utilizar medias cuasi-aritméticas. Finalmente, también se desarrolla un ejemplo numérico del nuevo modelo en un problema de toma de decisiones financieras.

The induced generalized OWA operator

[spa] Se presenta el operador OWA generalizado inducido (IGOWA). Es un nuevo operador de agregación que generaliza al operador OWA a través de utilizar las principales características de dos operadores muy conocidos como son el operador OWA generalizado y el operador OWA inducido. Entonces, este operador utiliza medias generalizadas y variables de ordenación inducidas en el proceso de reordenación. Con esta formulación, se obtiene una amplia gama de operadores de agregación que incluye a todos los casos particulares de los operadores IOWA y GOWA, y otros casos particulares. A continuación, se realiza una generalización mayor al operador IGOWA a través de utilizar medias cuasi-aritméticas. Finalmente, también se desarrolla un ejemplo numérico del nuevo modelo en un problema de toma de decisiones financieras.

Razonamiento moral y educación

El texto se basa en el análisis del razonamiento moral a partir del marco de los modelos organizadores. A partir de la determinación de las diferentes representaciones que una serie de sujetos realizaron sobre un dilema basado en un conflicto moral entre iguales de edad, y que incluyó tres núcleos (justicia, felicidad y cuidado) se detectó que existen cuatro grandes modelos organizadores que se presentan en diferentes líneas evolutivas. La tesis que se defiende es que la inclusión de los sentimientos puede guiar el razonamiento a niveles más elevados y puede integrar las perspectivas de justicia y solidaridad a la hora de resolver conflictos interpersonales. En el artículo se afirma que todo esto son retos en los cuales es necesario trabajar para conseguir un modelo educativo integrador dentro de las escuelas.

Razonamiento moral y educación

El texto se basa en el análisis del razonamiento moral a partir del marco de los modelos organizadores. A partir de la determinación de las diferentes representaciones que una serie de sujetos realizaron sobre un dilema basado en un conflicto moral entre iguales de edad, y que incluyó tres núcleos (justicia, felicidad y cuidado) se detectó que existen cuatro grandes modelos organizadores que se presentan en diferentes líneas evolutivas. La tesis que se defiende es que la inclusión de los sentimientos puede guiar el razonamiento a niveles más elevados y puede integrar las perspectivas de justicia y solidaridad a la hora de resolver conflictos interpersonales. En el artículo se afirma que todo esto son retos en los cuales es necesario trabajar para conseguir un modelo educativo integrador dentro de las escuelas.

La mediación con jóvenes inmigrantes en el ámbito de la justicia penal juvenil: un enfoque educativo

Nuestra sociedad cada vez es más diversa y multicultural. La creciente preocupación social en relación con las acciones y alternativas educativas que pueden ayudar a cohesionar nuestra comunidad, genera retos importantes. El desarrollo de una reflexión fundamentada, basada en la investigación fomenta una comprensión más real y menos estereotipada de determinados fenómenos. Es importante huir de tópicos interesados surgidos desde perspectivas políticas e ideológicas que tienden a sesgar el problema. La Justicia Penal Juvenil constituye uno de los ámbitos donde la diversidad cultural ha irrumpido, en los últimos años, de manera muy significativa. Tanto en los centros de menores como en otras medidas alternativas, la presencia de población inmigrante es claramente visible. Esta situación está generando una importante reflexión a cerca de la aplicación de las formas de gestión del conflicto recogidas actualmente en la Ley Penal Juvenil, para dar respuesta a las nuevas necesidades y demandas. Desde estas páginas se profundiza en la utilización de la mediación como alternativa en el ámbito penal, en aquellos casos donde una de las partes está constituida por jóvenes inmigrantes, para poder proporcionar unas bases comprensivas para la mejora de tales procesos.

La mediación en la resolución de conflictos

El artículo presenta el desarrollo del proceso de mediación en la intervención del conflicto. En un primer apartado se define el concepto de mediación y sus características. Los apartados segundo y tercero recogen los aspectos relativos a las modalidades de mediación y su transformación ante el conflicto. Finalmente, se muestran las aportaciones de la mediación en el ámbito familiar, escolar y judicial entre otros.

Risc i seguretat en el context educatiu: un debat necessari en el marc d'una educació orientada al desenvolupament de la ciutadania

En aquest article se profunditza en torna a les repercusions dels nous escenaris teòrics relacionats amb el desenvolupament del concepte de risc en la segona modernitat. Les tradicions d'anàlisi de la violència escolar o de la gestió positiva del conflicte, han constituït-del fet encara avui dia constitueixen- referents importants per a l'anàlisi de la seguretat en els centres educatius, però el desenvolupament d'un nou concepte de seguretat humana sorgit a partir dels Programes de les Nacions Unides pel Desenvolupament (PNUD) proporciona un marc de reflexió més ampli. Partint d'aquesta perspectiva, se pretèn operativitzar un model que permeti comprendre com es construeix la percepció de risc en el context escolar.

La mediación con jóvenes inmigrantes en el ámbito de la justicia penal juvenil: un enfoque educativo

Nuestra sociedad cada vez es más diversa y multicultural. La creciente preocupación social en relación con las acciones y alternativas educativas que pueden ayudar a cohesionar nuestra comunidad, genera retos importantes. El desarrollo de una reflexión fundamentada, basada en la investigación fomenta una comprensión más real y menos estereotipada de determinados fenómenos. Es importante huir de tópicos interesados surgidos desde perspectivas políticas e ideológicas que tienden a sesgar el problema. La Justicia Penal Juvenil constituye uno de los ámbitos donde la diversidad cultural ha irrumpido, en los últimos años, de manera muy significativa. Tanto en los centros de menores como en otras medidas alternativas, la presencia de población inmigrante es claramente visible. Esta situación está generando una importante reflexión a cerca de la aplicación de las formas de gestión del conflicto recogidas actualmente en la Ley Penal Juvenil, para dar respuesta a las nuevas necesidades y demandas. Desde estas páginas se profundiza en la utilización de la mediación como alternativa en el ámbito penal, en aquellos casos donde una de las partes está constituida por jóvenes inmigrantes, para poder proporcionar unas bases comprensivas para la mejora de tales procesos.

SPIK: Sprachhandeln in Konfliktsituationen

Interaktives Sprachlernprogramm für fortgeschrittene Deutschlerner, die einen längeren Aufenthalt in einem deutschsprachigen Land planen Niveau: B1/B2 (Europäischer Referenzrahmen) Interactice language course for advanced learners, who plan a longer sojourn in a German speaking country. Level: B1/B2 (European Framework) Interaktiivinen kielikurssi kieltä jo osaaville (EU:n taitotasot B1/B2), jotka aikovat opiskella tai suorittaa harjoittelun saksankielisessä maassa.

Influence of the claimant’s behavioural features on motor compensation outcomes

The decision to settle a motor insurance claim by either negotiation or trial is analysed. This decision may depend on how risk and confrontation adverse or pessimistic the claimant is. The extent to which these behavioural features of the claimant might influence the final compensation amount are examined. An empirical analysis, fitting a switching regression model to a Spanish database, is conducted in order to analyze whether the choice of the conflict resolution procedure is endogenous to the compensation outcomes. The results show that compensations awarded by courts are always higher, although 95% of cases are settled by negotiation. We show that this is because claimants are adverse to risk and confrontation, and are pessimistic about their chances at trial. By contrast, insurers are risk - confrontation neutral and more objective in relation to the expected trial compensation. During the negotiation insurers accept to pay the subjective compensation values of claimants, since these values are lower than their estimates of compensations at trial.

Facilitating coordination improvement efforts in cross-functional process development programs

Business process improvement is a common approach in increasing the effectiveness of an organization. It can be seen as an effort to increase coordination between units. Process improvement has proved to be challenging, and most management consultation firms facilitate organizations in this kind of initiatives. Cross-functional improvement is one of the main areas for internal consultants as well. However, the needs, challenges and means of cross-functional help have been rarely discussed in the literature. The objective of this thesis is on one hand to present a conceptual and descriptive framework to help understand the challenges of facilitating coordination improvement efforts in cross-functional improvement programs, and on the other hand to develop and test feasible solutions for some facilitation situations. The research questions are: 1. Why and in what kind of situations do organizations need help in developing coordination in cross-functional processes? 2. How can a facilitator help organizations in improving coordination to develop cross-functional processes? The study consists of two parts. The first part is an overview of the dissertation, and the second part comprises six research publications. The theoretical background for the study are the differentiation causing challenges in cross-functional settings, the coordination needed to improve processes, change management principles, methods and tools, and consultation practises. Three of the publications introduce tools for helping in developing prerequisites, planning responsibilities and supporting learning during the cross-functional program. The three other papers present frameworks to help understand and analyse the improvement situation. The main methodological approaches used in this study are design science research, action research and case research. The research data has been collected from ten cases representing different kinds of organizations, processes and developing situations. The data has been collected mainly by observation, semi-structured interviews and questionnaires. The research contributes to the rare literature combining coordination theories and process improvement practises. It also provides additional understanding of a holistic point of view in process improvement situations. The most important contribution is the addition to the theories of facilitating change in process improvement situations. From the managerial point of view, this study gives advice to managers and consultants in planning and executing cross-functional programs. The main factors increasing the need for facilitation are the challenges for differentiation, challenges of organizational change in general, and the novelty of initiatives and improvement practices concerning process development. Organizations need help in creating the prerequisites to change, in planning initiatives, easing conflict management and collaboration between groups, as well as supporting the learning of cross-functional improvement. The main challenges of facilitation are combining the different roles as a consultant, maintaining the ownership for the improvement project with the client, and supporting learning in the client organization.

Sickness certification in primary care: a survey on views and practices among Swiss physicians.

QUESTIONS UNDER STUDY: Studies from several countries (Scandinavia, United Kingdom) report that general practitioners (GPs) experience problems in sickness certification. Our study explored views of Swiss GPs towards sickness certification, their practice and experience, professional skills and problematic interactions with patients. METHODS: We conducted an online survey among GPs throughout Switzerland, exploring behaviour of physicians, patients and employers with regard to sickness certification; GPs' views about sickness certification; required competences for certifying sickness absence, and approaches to advance their competence. We piloted the questionnaire and disseminated it through the networks of the five Swiss academic institutes for primary care. RESULTS: We received 507 valid responses (response rate 50%). Only 43/507 GPs experienced sickness certification as problematic per se, yet 155/507 experienced problems in sickness certification at least once a week. The 507 GPs identified estimating a long-term prognosis about work capacity (64%), handling conflicts with patients (54%), and determining the reduction of work capacity (42%) as problematic. Over 75% would welcome special training opportunities, e.g., on sickness certifications during residency (93%), in insurance medicine (81%), and conflict management (80%). CONCLUSION: Sickness certification as such does not present a major problem to Swiss GPs, which contrasts with the experience in Scandinavian countries and in the UK. Swiss GPs did identify specific tasks of sickness certification as problematic. Training opportunities on sick-leave certification and insurance medicine in general were welcomed.

An exploration of the experience of implementing the second step violence prevention curriculum in one primary general learning disabilities class /

Violence has always been a part of the human experience, and therefore, a popular topic for research. It is a controversial issue, mostly because the possible sources of violent behaviour are so varied, encompassing both biological and environmental factors. However, very little disagreement is found regarding the severity of this societal problem. Most researchers agree that the number and intensity of aggressive acts among adults and children is growing. Not surprisingly, many educational policies, programs, and curricula have been developed to address this concern. The research favours programs which address the root causes of violence and seek to prevent rather than provide consequences for the undesirable behaviour. But what makes a violence prevention program effective? How should educators choose among the many curricula on the market? After reviewing the literature surrounding violence prevention programs and their effectiveness, The Second Step Violence Prevention Curriculum surfaced as unique in many ways. It was designed to address the root causes of violence in an active, student-centred way. Empathy training, anger management, interpersonal cognitive problem solving, and behavioural social skills form the basis of this program. Published in 1992, the program has been the topic of limited research, almost entirely carried out using quantitative methodologies.The purpose of this study was to understand what happens when the Second Step Violence Prevention Curriculum is implemented with a group of students and teachers. I was not seeking a statistical correlation between the frequency of violence and program delivery, as in most prior research. Rather, I wished to gain a deeper understanding of the impact ofthe program through the eyes of the participants. The Second Step Program was taught to a small, primary level, general learning disabilities class by a teacher and student teacher. Data were gathered using interviews with the teachers, personal observations, staff reports, and my own journal. Common themes across the four types of data collection emerged during the study, and these themes were isolated and explored for meaning. Findings indicate that the program does not offer a "quick fix" to this serious problem. However, several important discoveries were made. The teachers feU that the program was effective despite a lack of concrete evidence to support this claim. They used the Second Step strategies outside their actual instructional time and felt it made them better educators and disciplinarians. The students did not display a marked change in their behaviour during or after the program implementation, but they were better able to speak about their actions, the source of their aggression, and the alternatives which were available. Although they were not yet transferring their knowledge into positive action,a heightened awareness was evident. Finally, staff reports and my own journal led me to a deeper understanding ofhow perception frames reality. The perception that the program was working led everyone to feel more empowered when a violent incident occurred, and efforts were made to address the cause rather than merely to offer consequences. A general feeling that we were addressing the problem in a productive way was prevalent among the staff and students involved. The findings from this investigation have many implications for research and practice. Further study into the realm of violence prevention is greatly needed, using a balance of quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Such a serious problem can only be effectively addressed with a greater understanding of its complexities. This study also demonstrates the overall positive impact of the Second Step Violence Prevention Curriculum and, therefore, supports its continued use in our schools.

Teaching Principled negotiation skills to parents and their children : the impact of parental involvement /

This study explored the impact of training parents and children concurrently in principled negotiation skills for the purpose of developing negotiation skills and problem solving abilities in children. A second experimental group was utilized to determine the viability of negotiation skills training of junior elementary students for the purpose of improving problem solving and conflict resolving abilities. The student population in each experimental group was trained using The Program for Young Negotiators (Curhan, 1996). A control group was also established using the remaining grade four and five students attending the participating school. These students did not receive training as part of this study. Student group distribution was as follows: Experimental group 1 (students with parent participant) consisted of 10 (5 grade five and 5 grade 4 students), Experimental group 2 students without parent participant) consisted of 48 (20 grade 4 and 28 grade 5 students), and the Control group 3 (55 grade 4 and 5 students). The impact of training was measured using the Five Factor Negotiation Scale developed for use with the Program for Young Negotiators (Curhan, 1996). This measure was employed as a pre- and post-test questionnaire to the total student population, (113 students) to determine levels of ability in each of the key elements of negotiation, personal initiative, collaboration, communication, conflict based perspective taking, and conflict resolution approach (Nakkula & Nikitopoulos, unpublished). This measure has a coefficient alpha of .75 which is acceptable for this type of affective instrument. As well, open ended ability questions designed to measure ability, knowledge, and behaviour as they relate to negotiation skill application were given to the total student population, (113 students). Finally, journals were maintained by the students in both experimental groups, and informal feedback discussions were held with students and parents participating in the study.The intent of using both qualitative and quantitative measures was to provide an overall perspective of student abilities as they related to principled negotiation skills. While the quantitative measures were from the student perspective, more qualitative information was sought from parents and teachers through informal interviews, discussions, and use of confidential feedback cards. For analysis purposes, the ability questions were randomly selected for Experimental group 2 and Control group 3 in an effort to balance the groups more equitably with Experimental group 1. The findings of this study indicate that students of the junior elementary school age can be taught how to perceive conflict in a more constructive way. However, they are not as likely to use their skills when the conflict is with a sibling as they are with a peer, a teacher, or a parent. While no statistically significant differences between mean scores for Experimental groups 1 and 2 exist some subtle differences are noted. Overall, increases in mean scores for grade 4 students exceeded the increases for grade 5 students within Experimental group 1 . The implication being that younger students benefit more from having a parent trained in principled negoUation skills than older students. The skill level of a parent in principled negotiation can not be underesUmated. Without a consistent and effective role model the likelihood of developing student skill level to a point of automaticity is greatly reduced. Enough so that perhaps the emphasis should be placed on training parents more so than the students.