Negotiation and Dispute Resolution in the Public Sector
MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (DUSP 11.225)

FALL
Instructor:
Lawrence Susskind
Rm. 9-332
617-253-2026

Investigates social conflict and distributional disputes in the public sector. While theoretical aspects of conflict are considered, the focus is on the practice of consensus-building and dispute resolution in public policy settings. Comparisons between unassisted and assisted negotiation are reviewed along with the techniques of facilitation, mediation, and non-binding arbitration. Heavy emphasis on strengthening individual negotiation skills. No prerequisite. (Thursday 3:30-5:30 p.m.)

Advanced Workshop in Multi-Party Negotiation and Conflict Resolution (MLD 230)
KENNEDY SCHOOL OF GOVERNMENT

WINTER
Instructor:
Brian Mandell
617-495-9123

As a complement to the introductory course on negotiation analysis (STM-221), this intensive skill-building workshop aims to help participants prepare for negotiations, manage complex multi-stakeholder negotiations, facilitate and mediate public disputes, design consensus-building procedures, examine cross-cultural differences and ethical dilemmas, and sustain cooperative relationships. The emphasis is on the negotiation and conflict resolution challenges faced by managers in the public and non-profit sectors. Small groups will do intensive exercises, including preparation for and analysis of ongoing public sector negotiation problems. Participants will be videotaped while negotiating and provided with guided, repeated practice and feedback on their handling of assigned problems. (Daily attendance required: intensive format for two weeks in January. Dates and times to be announced.)