ABSTRACT

This is a wonderful collection of essays that attests the depth, breadth, and vigor of the study of conflict and conflict management in organizations; it is a privilege to provide commentary. I focus here on the theories-and their historical influences and future prospects; that is, I look back in time with an eye to looking forward. Hence the whence and the whither, the former a focus on from what place, as in, whence comes this splendid feast? And the latter, whither, as in, to what place, result, or condition: Whither are we wandering?1 If we are wandering toward more researchand we are-, this volume is a huge success. Each of the essays here is a gold mine of ideas for future studies crying out to be done. Pruitt (chapter 8, this volume), for example, lists no less that seven sets of research questions that could each be a Ph.D. thesis-each could even be a distinct career of research.