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.

The book progresses in a logical order, starting at the individual, intrapersonal level with the body, the nonconscious mind, and the strategic mind before progressing to interpersonal, group, and systems thinking through discussions of language and symbols, the co-creation of meaning, and systems and structures.  A table toward the book’s conclusion illustrates for conflict practitioners how the frame that they choose for viewing a conflict can influence what sort of outcomes might reasonably be expected. This framework can also be useful for helping visitors consider with more nuance how their own dispositions and choices can influence the sort of outcomes they might expect.

All in all, Fox’s book offers a meaningful contribution to the field and would be a useful addition to any ombuds’ bookshelf. It remains engaging throughout, while reminding us that changing what we emphasize in any given conflict can have a major impact on the situation’s outcome. 

This book spotlight is an effort of the Independent Voice to bring relevant resources to your attention. If you have resources that you feel our Ombuds colleagues will benefit from knowing, please send a message to [email protected] and we will look to share via this channel.