May
19

By Julia Farmer
Director of Ombuds Services, University of West Georgia

As ombuds, we assist our visitors with all sorts of conflicts, which range from interpersonal to group and systemic issues. The dynamics embedded within every conflict are unique, as are the personalities of the individuals involved. In complex cases, individual dispositions toward conflict can play as much of a role in the dynamics as organizational systems and structures. For that reason, understanding and unpacking the contributing factors within these complex cases is often a time-consuming process.

This is where Kenneth H. Fox’s Perspectives on Conflict: Insights for Professional and Personal Practice (2026) may come in handy. For ombuds seeking to review the various frames through which one can view a conflict, or looking for insights to share with visitors when discussing options for next steps, this resource offers a helpful guide. At the end of each chapter and within the bibliography, the book includes a useful list of references for those seeking to explore any of the topics more in-depth.