This study reports the development of the Grievance Expression Scale (GES), a self-report measurement instrument of how organizational members express objections or complaints that they have about one another's behavior. The GES focuses on grievance expression as a precursor to conflict, and was developed in response to a lack of focus in current conflict instruments on conflict communication behavior and the influence of situational variables on that behavior. Additionally, the scale was derived from an interdisciplinary theoretical base, incorporating organizational conflict management research in communication, management, anthropology, and sociology. Four forms of the GES were administered to 830 currently employed adults waiting for jury duty and attending a city street fair. A four-factor scale was found, consisting of third party, confrontation, toleration, and discipline factors. Reliability, content, discriminant, and construct validity of the GES were supported. Further development should include tests of theory utilizing the GES.

The descriptive study examines The American nuclear family (parents and minor children) as a system comprised of multiple, dynamic and interdependent elements. The familial system and its individual members are frequently challenged by internal conflict. Such intrafamily conflict encompasses a range of factors. This study centers on two of the key variables: roles and power. As separate, yet interdependent variables, roles and power merit scholarly examination because of their significant impact on the family structure and the communication of its members. In effect, roles and power are mutually developed, modified and maintained through the intrafamily communication process.Utilizing the General Systems Theory (as outlined by Ruben) and Social Exchange Theory (as explicated by Thibault and Kelley), this study concluded that as individual roles change within a family, the level of conflict tends to increase. Likewise, changes in location and level of power tend to precede conflict. These tendencies toward increased conflict were reflected in a case study analysis of the commercial film, "Ordinary People." By analyzing the metamorphis of power and roles in the behavior of key characters in the film, it became apparent that conflict was a visible and substantive outcome of such changes.Based upon this study, one may conclude that General Systems Theory and Social Exchange Theory serve as viable constructs for describing and analyzing the variables of roles and power within the family structure.

Thesis (MA)--University of Stellenbosch, 2007. / Bibliography. Also available via the Internet.

Thesis (M. App. Psych.)--University of Adelaide, Dept. of Psychology, 1994? / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 69-74).

Thesis (D. Min.)--Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, 2006. / Abstract and vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 158-163).

Thesis (D. Min.)--Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, 2006. / Abstract and vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 158-163).

Thesis (D. Min.)--Abilene Christian University, 1995. / Includes abstract. Includes notebook developed for a seminar entitled "Peaceful fighting : a Christian way of managing conflict" (leaves 86-259). Includes bibliographical references (leaves 234-38, 260-64).

Thesis (M.M.)--Cincinnati Bible College & Seminary, 1990. / Abstract. Annotated bibliography: leaves 193-199. Bibliography: leaves 200-206.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Washington, 1998. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves [255]-265).

Thesis (M.A.)--Michigan State University. Dept. of Psychology, 2007. / Title from PDF t.p. (viewed on Aug. 11, 2009) Includes bibliographical references (p. 94-97). Also issued in print.