Negotiating at an Uneven Table: A Practical Approach to Working with Difference and Diversity [Paperback]

Phyllis Beck Kritek (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 25, 1996 | ISBN-10: 0787902543 | ISBN-13: 978-0787902544 | Edition: 1

In this text, Phyllis Beck Kritek explores the process of attempting to resolve conflicts in situations where unacknowledged inequity has an effect on problems and their outcomes. The author draws on her nursing background - from inexperienced student to accomplished dean of nursing - to offer a book interwoven with poetry, stories, exercises, illustrative parables, and practical recommendations for solving problems and negotiating conflicts with flair and ethical outcomes.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Kritek (chair, mental health nursing and management, Univ. of Texas Sch. of Nursing, Galveston) received a National Leadership Fellowship from the Kellogg Foundation in 1986 to study conflict resolution. That study gave birth to this "record of lessons from [her] life experiences at uneven tables," i.e., negotiations where one side has power over another. Including examples from her own experiences as the nondominant negotiator, Kritek intends to encourage dialog about "dominant power." Rather than offering practical methods for achieving equality, she suggests ten "ways of being" (e.g., "be a truth teller," "be innovative") to provide a philosophical context for nondominant negotiators to use when approaching uneven tables. Unfortunately, Kritek's penchant for rambling philosophical reflections leads to writing that is verbose, repetitive, and prone to digression and forces the reader to look hard for substance. Not recommended.
Carol R. Nelson, Ball State Univ. Lib., Muncie, Ind.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"Conflict resolution book of the year . . . . Run, do not walk, to obtain a copy of this book." -- Official newsletter of the ADR Section of the Association of American Law Schools

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Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass; 1 edition (March 25, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0787902543
• ISBN-13: 978-0787902544
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,334,838 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Negotiating at an Uneven Table: Developing Moral Courage in, September 19, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Negotiating at an Uneven Table: Developing Moral Courage in Resolving Our Conflicts (original hardcover edition) (Jossey-Bass Health) (Paperback)

Negotiating at an Uneven Table has become a vital tool for my personal self actualization, professional communication, and daily growth. After reading this book, it is clear to see that most, if not all, tables are uneven. Regardless of which side of the table your on, Dr. Kritek provides tools for honest and successful negotiation. Her examples of the valleys and mountain top experiences and tables of life bring the actual events of life into a different and clearer perspective. Her words are honest and direct while being full of compassion. The chapter regarding manipulation has been espicially critical in assisting me identifing common techniques used by myself and others to control life. I strongly suggest this book for anyone sincerely interested in becoming a more honest, compassionate, and fullfilled person. Regardless of your profession, negotiation is a part of living and daily communication. Dr. Kritek provides a perspective to understand what is occouring and how to arrive at a win-win outcome. If winning is not an option, she helps to identify this reality and show you when to walk away.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must book for nurses, women and all healthcare leaders, October 9, 2004

By 

Philip Duane Authier "Phil Authier" (Pierre, SD United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Negotiating at an Uneven Table: Developing Moral Courage in Resolving Our Conflicts (Paperback)

A great book. It uses clear exmples to help you understand the different faces of conflict in the workplace. Kritek then gives ideas, insight, and pathways of moving beyond the conflict toward a productive workplace. It helped me greatly.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Meaningful Insight, October 9, 2004

By 

Maureen Sroczynski "Management consultant" (Boston MA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Negotiating at an Uneven Table: Developing Moral Courage in Resolving Our Conflicts (Paperback)

This book provides an excellent framework for for learning conflict resolution and negotiation skills. Ms. Kritek provides meaningful insights into a variety of communication strategies that are necessary in today's stressful and conflicted world.