Conflict management competencies in higher education

In their 2018 study, Bruno, Dell\\\’Aversana, and Guidetti utilized gaming theory, specifically the Prisoner\\\’s Dilemma, alongside psychoanalytic approaches to develop conflict management competencies in higher education. This fusion of game theory and psychodynamic concepts, particularly in organizational contexts, raises interesting implications for how we perceive neo-Freudian and psychodynamic theories.

Initially, one might associate psychodynamic theory with outdated, deterministic views of human behavior, rooted in unconscious drives and early childhood experiences, as seen in Freudian theory. However, Bruno et al. (2018) demonstrate that by integrating these psychoanalytic perspectives with game theory, psychodynamic approaches can remain relevant in modern organizational settings. By exploring the psychological underpinnings of individual behaviors in conflict situations, such as fear of betrayal or a desire for reciprocity, they offer a more nuanced understanding of conflict dynamics. This combination enriches the application of conflict management techniques by addressing both the conscious and unconscious motivations of individuals within organizations.

This application alters my view of psychodynamic theory positively, particularly in its neo-Freudian iteration. It shows that psychodynamic principles can be adapted and applied to contemporary issues, including conflict management, decision-making, and group dynamics in organizations. Rather than being solely retrospective or focused on pathology, the psychoanalytic lens offers valuable insights into how unconscious processes influence behavior in ways that may not be immediately apparent. As Bruno et al. (2018) demonstrate, understanding the psychological motivations behind individuals’ choices—whether cooperative or competitive—can lead to more effective conflict resolution strategies that foster organizational growth and learning.

Similarly, Simopoulou, Willis, and Georgiadou (2022) expand on how psychodynamic theory can be applied to intercultural engagement, showing that the unconscious often shapes cross-cultural interactions in ways that participants may not recognize. Both studies highlight how psychodynamic theory can offer rich, practical insights into complex social dynamics, suggesting its enduring relevance in understanding human behavior within modern organizational and intercultural contexts.

References

Bruno, A., Dell\\\’Aversana, G., & Guidetti, G. (2018). Developing organizational competencies for conflict management: The use of the prisoner\\\’s dilemma in higher education. Frontiers in Psychology, 9, 1-6. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.02427

Simopoulou, Z., Willis, A., & Georgiadou, L. (2022). \\”Things on your doorstep you don’t even think about\\”: Thinking intercultural engagement with psychodynamic theory. Frontiers: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Study Abroad, 34(2), 302-322. https://doi.org/10.36366/frontiers.v34i2.378

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