Gibson's Book Receiving Positive Reviews

Dr. James Gibson holds a copy of his new book, which became available for sale in April.

Some, like James Gibson, have their dreams come true.

Gibson, the Sam Houston State University students' legal adviser and director of mediation services, recently authored a book along with Houston-based consultant and conflict resolution practitioner Kirk Blackard titled, "Capitalizing on Conflict."

The book, which became available for sale in April, showed how "dealing with counterproductive conflict in an organized, holistic, and systematic manner can lead to stronger and more resilient organizations."

Since the book came out, it has received positive reviews. Harvard Business School has placed the book in its Book Recommendation Library. Also, Soundview Executive Book Summaries will feature it in its October 2002 selection.

If that wasn't enough, Stern's Management Review gave the book a "highly recommended" rating and a positive review.

"Authors always hope for wide acceptance of their work," said Gibson. "However, I had no idea it would be as widely accepted as it appears to be."

The review by Stern Managament described the objectives of the book and called the material a "very thoughtful, in-depth work, offering many important insights."

The Harvard Business School Book Recommendation Library describes it as a useful tool for managers at any level.

"Unlike many of the conflict management books written today, Capitalizing on Conflictdoes not offer the usual dose of how to avoid or resolve conflicts," the review states. "Instead the authors, who are experienced conflict management practitioners, acknowledge that conflict is not always counterproductive if managed effectively.

"Emphasizing that best practices for conflict management should be incorporated into the overall human resource strategy, the authors present a framework for managers at all levels to incorporate into their own styles," it goes on to say.

Gibson is a longtime mediation consultant and expert on criminal mediation. He actively mediates high-profile disputes and has trained more than 750 mediators.

"I am certainly encouraged that there is such an interest in conflict resolution in organizations because I feel that productivity and ethics in the workplace can be enhanced by properly confronting and utilizing conflict in a constructive manner," said Gibson.

A cloth-cover edition of Capitalizing on Conflict is available from Davies-Black Publishing by calling 1-800-624-1765. Each copy sells for $36.95.

"Certainly when one's work is recognized by leading business schools and reviewers, it makes the hard work necessary to produce the results worthwhile," said Gibson.

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SHSU Media Contact: Brandon Autrey
August 16, 2002
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