In today's confrontational and connected world, communication is the key strategic act. This book uses drama theory-a radical extension of game theory-to show how best to communicate so as to manage the emotionally charged confrontations occurring in any worthwhile relationship. Alongside a toolset that provides a systematic framework for analysing

A practical how-to guide for more effective planningthrough multi-actor modelling Careful planning is the cornerstone of a successful initiative, and any plan, policy, or business strategy can only be successful if it has the support of different actors. These actors may beactively pursuing their own agendas, so the plan must not only offer an optimal solution to theproblem, but must also fit the needs and abilities of the actors involved. Actor and Strategy Models: Practical Applications and Step-wise Approaches provides a primer on multi-actormodelling, based on the fundamental premise that actor strategies are explained by investigatingwhat actors can do, think, and want to achieve. Covering a variety of models with detailed background and case examples, this book focuses on practical application. Step-by-step instructions for each approach provide immediately actionable insight, while a general framework for actor and strategy modelling allows the reader to tailor any approach as needed to optimize results in terms of situation-specific planning. Oriented toward real-world strategy, this helpful resource: Provides models that shed light on the multi-actor dimensions of planning, using a variety of analytical approaches Includes literature, theoretical underpinnings, and applications for each method covered Clarifies the similarities, differences, and suitable applications between various actor modelling approaches Provides a step-wise framework for actor and strategy modelling Offers guidance for the identification, structuring, and measuring of values and perceptions Examines the challenges involved in analyzing actors and strategies Even before planning begins, an endeavor's success depends upon a clear understanding of the various actors involved in the planning and implementation stages. From game theory and argumentative analysis, through social network analysis, cognitive mapping, and beyond,Actor and Strategy Models provides valuable insight for more effective planning.

This cutting-edge book presents the theory and practice of the Graph Model for Conflict Resolution (GMCR), which is used for strategically investigating disputes in any field to enable informed decision making. It clearly explains how GMCR can determine what is the best a particular decision maker (DM) can independently achieve in dynamic interaction with others. Moves and counter-moves follow various stability definitions reflecting human behavior under conflict. The book defines a wide range of preference structures to represent a DM’s comparisons of states or scenarios: equally preferred, more or less preferred; unknown; degrees of strength of preference; and hybrid. It vividly describes how GMCR can ascertain whether a DM can fare even better by cooperating with others in a coalition. The book portrays how a conflict can evolve from the status quo to a desirable resolution, and provides a universal design for a decision support system to implement the innovative decision technologies using the matrix formulation of GMCR. Further, it illustrates the key ideas using real-world conflicts and supplies problems at the end of each chapter. As such, this highly instructive book benefits teachers, mentors, students and practitioners in any area where conflict arises.

India Country Study Guide - Strategic Information and Developments Volume 1 Strategic Information and Developments

"The Quest for Power If you want to succeed in politics, understand that politics is about power. In turn, through politics we collectively shape the future. Those who would guide our posterity must understand that the essence of politics is power. Put another way, influencing the thinking and actions of others constitutes the core of political engagement. This book is intended to assist activists and politicians, amateurs and political professionals, in their efforts to orchestrate our future. But some readers may not be entirely comfortable with"--

This second edition of Cultural Theory provides a concise introduction to cultural theory, placing major figures, traditional concepts, and contemporary themes within a sharp conceptual framework. Provides a student-friendly introduction to what can often be a complex field of study Updates the first edition in response to reader feedback and to the changing nature of the field Includes additional coverage of theorists from the classical period to include Nietzsche and DuBois Introduces entirely new chapters on race and gender theory, and the body Considers themes that have become more important in theoretical activity in recent years such as computers and virtual reality, cosmopolitanism, and performance theory Draws on theories and theorists from continental Europe as well as the English-speaking world

The authority on developing strategies and a strategic plan for any public and nonprofit organization Strategic Planning for Public and Nonprofit Organizations is the comprehensive, practical guide to building and sustaining a more effective organization, delivering a clear framework for designing and implementing a better strategic planning and management process. The field's leading authorities share insights, advice, helpful tools, and specific techniques, alongside a widely used and well-regarded approach to real-world planning. This revised and updated Sixth Edition contains new literature cited, new cases, more information on international public and nonprofit concerns, and a more extensive discussion of design and agile methods of strategy development and implementation. In this book, readers will learn how to: Establish an effective approach to the strategic planning process that helps clarify mission and mandates, identify issues, establish a vision, develop strategies, and implement plans Manage the process with continual learning and linking unique assets and abilities to better accomplish the central mission Create significant and enduring public value and navigate political, economic, societal, technological, environmental and legal developments, both locally and internationally Innovation and creativity produce great ideas, but these ideas must be collected and organized into an actionable plan bolstered by a coalition of support to make your organization great. Strategic Planning for Public and Nonprofit Organizations provides everything public and nonprofit leaders need to help bring all of your vision, talent, and assets together into a workable organizational strategy.