Conflict and culture across time and space: Work and legacy of Evert van de Vliert

Abstract

Four former PhD students reflect on the work and legacy of their mentor Evert van de Vliert, emeritus professor at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands, and recipient of the 2005 Lifetime Achievement Award of the International Association for Conflict Management (IACM). We review two major contributions pioneered by Van de Vliert: theory on the cognitive, motivational, and affective underpinnings of interpersonal conflict management in private and professional settings and theory on the climato-economic underpinnings of human cultural institutions and behavioral biases. In addition, we share personal anecdotes from our time as PhD students and collaborators of Evert van de Vliert. Throughout we touch on lessons learned for doing science and mentoring the next generation.