The Nature of Adaptivity: A Theoretical Discussion

16 Pages Posted: 24 Oct 2009 Last revised: 11 Nov 2009

See all articles by Adam Mitchinson

Adam Mitchinson

Columbia University

Peter T. Coleman

Columbia University - Teachers' College

Lan Bui-Wrzosinska

University of Warsaw

Andrzej Nowak

University of Warsaw - Institute for Social Studies

Date Written: June 15, 2009

Abstract

The ability to adapt and maintain behavioral flexibility in conflict situations may be a key way to avoid destructive interpersonal conflicts and ensure the greatest individual satisfaction with conflict processes and outcomes. Adaptivity is implicit in many theoretical discussions but is rarely refined and operationalized. This paper seeks to move towards this goal, providing a theoretical discussion of the nature of adaptivity, what specifically the construct is, and what its antecedents may be. This discussion is guided by, and integrated with, concepts and propositions from a current line of dynamical research looking at the interplay of power and interdependence in conflict situations (Coleman, Bui-Wrzosinska, & Nowak, 2008). The paper explores how an individual may be adaptive in situations of varying power asymmetries and types of goal interdependence and presents key outcomes for this theory.

Suggested Citation

Mitchinson, Adam and Coleman, Peter T. and Bui-Wrzosinska, Lan and Nowak, Andrzej, The Nature of Adaptivity: A Theoretical Discussion (June 15, 2009). 22nd Annual IACM Conference Paper, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1493532 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1493532

Adam Mitchinson (Contact Author)

Columbia University ( email )

3022 Broadway
New York, NY 10027
United States

Peter T. Coleman

Columbia University - Teachers' College ( email )

525 W. 120th St.
New York, NY 10027
United States

Lan Bui-Wrzosinska

University of Warsaw ( email )

Krakowskie Przedmiescie 26/28
Warszawa, Pl-00681
Poland

Andrzej Nowak

University of Warsaw - Institute for Social Studies ( email )

Stawki 5/7
Warsaw, 00 183
Poland

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