The Handbook of Dispute Resolution (1st ed.)

The Problem This Book Solves

Disputes are inevitable in every human interaction—from business negotiations to legal battles, community conflicts to international relations. Without a systematic framework, resolving these disputes can be chaotic, costly, and destructive. The Handbook of Dispute Resolution addresses this challenge by providing a unified, evidence-based approach to understanding and managing conflict across all contexts. Whether you are a mediator, lawyer, HR professional, or student, this book equips you with the theoretical foundations and practical tools to turn conflict into constructive outcomes.

The Handbook of Dispute Resolution (1st ed.) at a Glance

This first edition, published by Jossey-Bass in 2005, is a cutting-edge reference work edited by leading scholars Michael L. Moffitt and Robert C. Bordone. It brings together contributions from dozens of prominent experts in the field of dispute resolution, covering the full spectrum of theory, research, and practice. The book is organized into thematic sections that trace the evolution of dispute resolution from its historical roots through modern applications in negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and conflict systems design. Each chapter is a self-contained yet interconnected piece, making the handbook both a comprehensive textbook for students and a go-to desktop reference for experienced practitioners.

Unlike many edited volumes that merely assemble disparate papers, this handbook is carefully curated to ensure coherence and practical relevance. The editors have intentionally included chapters that address foundational concepts, emerging trends, and cross-disciplinary perspectives, ensuring that readers gain a deep understanding of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) as both an art and a science.

Who Will Benefit Most

This book is designed for a broad audience with a serious interest in dispute resolution. It is ideal for:

• Dispute resolution professionals – mediators, arbitrators, and conflict coaches seeking to deepen their theoretical grounding and expand their toolkit.
• Law students and legal professionals – especially those specializing in negotiation, mediation, or litigation alternative programs.
• Business and management practitioners – HR managers, executives, and consultants who regularly handle workplace conflicts, contract disputes, and stakeholder negotiations.
• Academics and researchers – in fields such as law, psychology, sociology, political science, and communication studies.
• Teachers and trainers – who need a comprehensive, authoritative source to design conflict resolution curricula.
• Public policy and international relations professionals – dealing with complex multiparty disputes and peacebuilding efforts.

Key Takeaways

By engaging with this handbook, you will gain mastery over the following essential areas:

1. The historical and theoretical foundations of dispute resolution, from early human practices to modern institutional frameworks.
2. Negotiation strategies and tactics – including distributive, integrative, and principled negotiation approaches with real-world examples.
3. Mediation theory and practice – including facilitative, evaluative, and transformative mediation models, plus ethical considerations.
4. Arbitration procedures and design – from commercial arbitration to international investment arbitration.
5. Conflict systems design – how to build and evaluate dispute resolution systems within organizations, communities, and legal structures.
6. Cross-cultural and interdisciplinary insights – understanding how culture, power, gender, and psychology shape dispute dynamics.
7. Emerging applications and future directions – including online dispute resolution, restorative justice, and collaborative law.

Why Choose This Edition

Several books claim to cover dispute resolution, but few match the depth and breadth of this handbook. Competitors like Getting to Yes focus narrowly on negotiation, while The Mediation Process by Christopher Moore is excellent but limited to mediation. This handbook integrates all major modalities—negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and hybrid processes—into a single volume. Its chapter authors are the leading authorities in their respective subfields, ensuring that each topic is treated with genuine expertise. Moreover, the editors have deliberately included chapters that compare and contrast different approaches, helping readers understand when to apply which tool. The 2005 edition remains a foundational text; its principles are timeless, and its research base is still cited in contemporary scholarship. No other single volume offers such a comprehensive, evidence-based, and practically oriented overview of the entire dispute resolution landscape.

Behind the Book

Michael L. Moffitt and Robert C. Bordone are widely recognized as leaders in the field of dispute resolution. Moffitt is a professor of law and director of the Appropriate Dispute Resolution Program at the University of Oregon School of Law, and Bordone is the Thaddeus R. Beal Professor of Law at Harvard Law School and director of the Harvard Negotiation and Mediation Clinical Program. Their combined academic and practical experience ensures that the handbook is both rigorous and applicable. The publisher, Jossey-Bass (an imprint of Wiley), is a trusted name in professional and academic publishing, particularly in the social sciences, business, and education. Their commitment to quality is evident in the careful editing, clear organization, and high production standards of this volume.

Is It Worth It?

For anyone serious about understanding and practicing dispute resolution, this handbook is an indispensable investment. Its 700+ pages of expert content replace an entire shelf of specialized books, saving you time and money. The 1st edition, though not the latest, covers foundational knowledge that does not age—and its price point is significantly lower than many newer, less comprehensive texts. Whether you are studying for a certification, building a professional library, or teaching a course, this book will serve as your most trusted reference for years to come. The combination of breadth, depth, and authority makes it a clear winner.

Start Reading The Handbook of Dispute Resolution (1st ed.) Today

Equip yourself with the definitive guide to dispute resolution theory and practice. Whether you are a student preparing for a career in ADR, a seasoned practitioner looking to refresh your skills, or a professor designing a curriculum, this handbook belongs on your desk. Order your digital copy today and unlock a wealth of knowledge that will enhance your ability to manage conflict constructively. Published by Jossey-Bass (Wiley) and edited by two of the most respected names in the field, this is a resource you will return to again and again. Add to cart now and start mastering the art and science of dispute resolution.